The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has played a transformative role in addressing India’s critical health issues and enhancing the healthcare research landscape, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare JP Nadda said on Thursday.

He made this statement during a virtual address at the Health Research Excellence Summit 2024, organized by the Department of Health Research and ICMR in the national capital.

The event also marked ICMR’s 113th Foundation Day, celebrating the institution’s longstanding commitment to advancing biomedical research in India.

“Today, we celebrate over a century of ICMR’s dedication to advancing health research and improving millions of lives. ICMR has been at the forefront of biomedical research, addressing some of the most pressing health challenges,” Nadda remarked.

“From combating infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and COVID-19 to advancing solutions for non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and nutritional disorders, ICMR has made a lasting impact on India’s healthcare landscape,” he added.

Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health, praised ICMR as a “pioneer in advancing scientific research and innovation in India.”

Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, noted that ICMR’s contributions would help position India as a global leader in health research.

ICMR also launched a groundbreaking initiative, the ‘First in the World Challenge’ research grant, to support innovative, forward-thinking ideas from researchers across the country. This grant encourages the development of novel knowledge, discoveries, or breakthrough health technologies, including vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and interventions, that have not been attempted or tested anywhere in the world.

Inspired by the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a historic landing on the Moon’s south pole, the grant seeks “bold research ideas” that can set new benchmarks in global healthcare innovation.