ICMR’s 113th Foundation Day: A Milestone in India’s Healthcare Evolution
New Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) marked its 113th Foundation Day on Thursday, celebrating over a century of pioneering biomedical research that has significantly shaped India’s healthcare landscape. Addressing the DHR-ICMR Health Research Excellence Summit 2024 through a video message, Union Health Minister J P Nadda hailed ICMR for its instrumental role in addressing some of the country’s most pressing health challenges.
“ICMR has been at the forefront of biomedical research, playing a pivotal role in tackling critical health issues ranging from infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and COVID-19, to non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and nutritional disorders,” said Nadda. He further commended ICMR’s commitment to advancing research and innovation, affirming that the institution continues to leave a lasting impact on the nation’s healthcare system.
As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, Nadda also announced that moving forward, ICMR will recognize research excellence annually, further strengthening its legacy in shaping India’s medical and scientific progress.
Shifting the Landscape of Science and Health
The summit, hosted by the Department of Health Research (DHR) and ICMR, was inaugurated by Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, who emphasized the transformative changes occurring in India’s scientific landscape. “India is experiencing a tectonic shift in its scientific and healthcare approaches, and the contributions of ICMR are central to this evolution,” Patel said.
She highlighted ICMR’s leadership in driving innovation, particularly through its extramural and intramural research programs. As the nation works towards achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, Patel reiterated that ICMR’s sustained efforts in healthcare research and development are key to building a healthier, self-reliant nation.
Positioning India as a Global Leader
Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of innovation and research in shaping India’s healthcare future. “The advancements we are witnessing today will not only address the health challenges of our time but will position India as a global leader in health research,” he said.
The ongoing efforts in healthcare innovation are seen as crucial to tackling both present and future health challenges while ensuring that India takes its rightful place at the forefront of scientific excellence on the global stage.
A Vision for the Future
The DHR-ICMR Health Research Excellence Summit provided a platform to recognize the invaluable contributions of India’s researchers and scientists in advancing the country’s healthcare. With the government’s focus on strengthening research and fostering innovation, the collaboration between ICMR, the Department of Health Research, and other medical institutions is expected to further elevate India’s position as a global hub for scientific and medical research.
As India advances towards a healthier and more prosperous future, ICMR’s continuing role in leading groundbreaking biomedical research will remain central to the country’s vision of achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
