Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research. It is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world, founded in 1911 as the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) and later renamed as ICMR in 1949. The council is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

History

The Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) was established in 1911 with the aim of sponsoring and coordinating medical research in the country. In 1949, the IRFA was redesignated as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Over the years, ICMR has grown significantly and has become the apex body for biomedical research in India.

Vision and Mission

The vision of ICMR is to be a globally recognized, dynamic, and innovative medical research organization that promotes better health through research. The mission of ICMR is to:

• Promote, conduct, and coordinate biomedical research in India.
• Translate research findings into policy and practice.
• Foster research collaborations and partnerships.
• Develop human resources for biomedical research.
• Provide ethical guidance and oversight for biomedical research.

Organization Structure

ICMR is headed by the Director-General, who is assisted by the Deputy Director-General and other senior officials. The council has a network of 26 national institutes, 6 regional medical research centers, and over 100 field stations across the country. These institutes and centers conduct research on various topics related to health, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, nutrition, environmental health, and healthcare systems.

Research Activities

ICMR conducts and supports a wide range of research activities in the field of biomedical sciences. Some of the major areas of research include:

• Communicable Diseases: ICMR conducts research on various communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, dengue, and COVID-19. It also develops and evaluates new diagnostic tools, drugs, and vaccines for these diseases.
• Non-Communicable Diseases: ICMR conducts research on non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders. It also studies the risk factors associated with these diseases and develops strategies for their prevention and control.
• Reproductive and Child Health: ICMR conducts research on various aspects of reproductive and child health, including maternal and child nutrition, family planning, and adolescent health. It also develops and evaluates interventions to improve the health of mothers and children.
• Environmental Health: ICMR conducts research on the impact of environmental factors, such as air pollution, water pollution, and climate change, on human health. It also develops strategies for mitigating the adverse health effects of these factors.
• Healthcare Systems: ICMR conducts research on various aspects of healthcare systems, including health policy, health financing, and health workforce. It also develops and evaluates interventions to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.

Major Achievements

ICMR has made significant contributions to the field of biomedical research in India. Some of its major achievements include:

• Development of the first indigenous vaccine for rotavirus, which is a major cause of diarrhea in children.
• Establishment of the National AIDS Research Institute (NARI) in Pune, which has made significant contributions to HIV/AIDS research in India.
• Establishment of the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, which has played a key role in the diagnosis and control of viral diseases in India.
• Development of the first indigenous vaccine for Japanese encephalitis, which is a major public health problem in several parts of India.
• Establishment of the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) in New Delhi, which has made significant contributions to malaria research and control in India.

International Collaborations

ICMR has established collaborations with various international organizations and institutions for biomedical research. Some of its major collaborations include:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• United States National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• United Kingdom Medical Research Council (MRC)
• Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
• European Commission

These collaborations have enabled ICMR to share its expertise and knowledge with other countries and to learn from their experiences in biomedical research.