In a significant development for India's healthcare landscape, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) convened a high-profile Governing Council Meeting, spotlighting a surge in budgetary allocation over the past decade. Led by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting heralded a new era of medical research and innovation.

Dr Mandaviya heralded ICMR's pivotal role in driving healthcare research, citing a remarkable four-fold increase in the Government of India's investment in medical research and development. This surge underscores India's commitment to fostering groundbreaking advancements in healthcare.

Key highlights from the meeting include the Government of India's investment in medical research and development has quadrupled over the past decasignallingling a paradigm shift in healthcare funding priorities.

Through the National Health Research Program, ICMR has extended its reach to over 100 districts nationwide, undertaking mission-mode research in 12 priority areas to address pressing health challenges.

ICMR has forged strategic collaborations with leading institutions such as NITI Aayog, CDSCO, CSIR, and IITs, fostering synergistic initiatives.

ICMR's initiatives, including the establishment of centres of excellence and dedicated research facilities, underscore its commitment to fostering an innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem.

Driven by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Mission Recruitment and Rozgar Mela initiatives, ICMR has bolstered its workforce with over 1200 recruits across scientific, technical, and administrative domains.

Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, DHR & DG, ICMR, provided insights into the upcoming "First in the World Challenge," a pioneering initiative designed to catalyze high-risk, high-reward research endeavours by Indian scientists.

Minister of State, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, emphasized the imperative of collaboration and technology-driven healthcare solutions, advocating for the global recognition of India's prowess in medical research.

Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed the Government of India's steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare research and innovation. He lauded initiatives such as the MedTech Mitra program, which aims to empower the private sector in developing affordable indigenous medical solutions.