TPN , New Delhi – Union Health Minister JP Nadda announced on Monday that the Indian government has implemented transformative initiatives aimed at healthcare innovation and pandemic preparedness. This announcement coincided with the successful completion of the 100-day programme by the Ministry of Health’s Department of Health Research (DHR).
Nadda highlighted key achievements, including the launch of the Med-Tech Mitra initiative, the National One Health Mission (NOHM), and the development of Integrated Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (IRDLs). He stated, “These initiatives represent transformative steps in healthcare innovation, pandemic preparedness, and the development of indigenous medical solutions, contributing to a healthier, more resilient and Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Med-Tech Mitra is a collaborative effort between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), designed to address regulatory challenges in developing compliant medical products and scaling up clinical validation.
The National One Health Mission aims to integrate efforts in managing diseases that affect humans, animals, and the environment, significantly enhancing India’s capacity to combat zoonotic diseases and potential pandemics.
As part of improving diagnostic capabilities, six existing Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) are being upgraded to IRDLs, broadening the scope of infectious disease research. The Ministry has also initiated the construction of zonal laboratories under the National Institute of Virology (NIV).
In its quest to become a global leader in affordable healthcare, the DHR plans to develop 12 indigenous drugs for eight rare diseases, including Muscular Dystrophy and Gaucher’s Disease, with the goal of drastically reducing treatment costs and making therapies more accessible.
Inspired by India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, a “First in the World” challenge will fund 50 high-risk, high-reward biomedical research innovations, reflecting India’s commitment to advancing healthcare solutions on a global scale.
Additionally, the Centre for Evidence for Guidelines aims to standardize medical practices across the country, ensuring high standards of patient care.
To bolster research and development, the DHR is establishing a “Research to Action” vertical, which will facilitate the integration of cutting-edge health studies into policy and practice. This initiative is also expected to enhance medical education in India, with 93 fellows already enrolled in PhD programmes across various ICMR institutes.
Furthermore, 63 young faculty members from medical colleges have received fellowships for PhD research, and 58 women scientists have been supported to pursue health research.
These initiatives are anticipated to launch in October 2024, marking a significant advancement in India’s healthcare landscape.