Indian Council of Medical Research

Indian Council of Medical Research
Name	Indian Council of Medical Research
Caption	Logo of the Indian Council of Medical Research
Formation	1911
Type	Government organisation
Headquarters	New Delhi
Leader title	Director General
Leader name	Dr. Rajiv Bahl
Parent organisation	Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Website	https://www.icmr.gov.in

Indian Council of Medical Research. It is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research. Funded by the Government of India through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, its work is conducted through a vast network of permanent institutes and ad-hoc research centers across the country. The council's mandate is to tackle national health priorities through cutting-edge science and evidence-based policy.

History

The origins trace back to 1911 with the establishment of the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA), created following recommendations from the Royal Commission on Agriculture. In its early decades, the IRFA focused on combating diseases like cholera, plague, and kala-azar. It was renamed the Indian Council of Medical Research in 1949, after Indian independence, to reflect its expanded role in the new nation's public health. Key historical figures in its development include Sir Leonard Rogers and Dr. C. G. Pandit, its first Indian director. The council played a critical role in the national smallpox eradication campaign and the development of indigenous vaccine programs.

Organisation and governance

The council is headed by a Director General, currently Dr. Rajiv Bahl, who is assisted by a team of scientists and administrators. The governing body is the Governing Council, which includes the Secretary of the Department of Health Research and other eminent scientists. Its research is executed through a network of over 30 permanent institutes, such as the National Institute of Virology in Pune and the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases in Kolkata. It also funds extramural research through task forces and Centers for Advanced Research.

Major research areas and initiatives

Primary research domains include communicable diseases like tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. There is a strong focus on non-communicable diseases including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Major initiatives have included the National Cancer Registry Programme, the National TB Elimination Programme, and the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau. During the COVID-19 pandemic in India, it led the national response in diagnostic test development, serosurvey coordination, and vaccine trial oversight.

Key achievements and contributions

Notable achievements include the development of indigenous diagnostic kits for diseases like Japanese encephalitis and the first Indian rotavirus vaccine, Rotavac. The council's research was pivotal in the elimination of yaws and in controlling leprosy and polio. It established the Maternal Antenatal Toxoplasmosis Study (MATS) and contributed significantly to the National Family Health Survey. Its scientists have been recognized with prestigious awards like the Padma Shri and the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology.

Collaborations and networks

The council maintains extensive national and international partnerships. It works closely with the World Health Organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Domestically, it collaborates with institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and various UGC-recognized universities. It is a key partner in global consortia such as the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative.

Publications and resources

The ICMR disseminates knowledge through several peer-reviewed journals, including the Indian Journal of Medical Research and the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. It publishes vital technical documents like the National Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical and Health Research Involving Human Participants. The council also maintains public resources such as the Indian HIV Estimations reports and the National Health Profile. Its National Institute of Medical Statistics is a central repository for health data used by policymakers and researchers across the country.

Category:Medical and health organisations based in India Category:Research institutes in India Category:Organisations based in New Delhi