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New Delhi: In a bid to cultivate a culture of medical research among physicians nationwide, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is set to roll out a pioneering program, as revealed by Dr. Rajiv Bahl, the Director General of ICMR, in an exclusive interview with Medical Dialogues.
Under this innovative initiative, physicians will embark on Ph.D. degrees subsequent to assuming faculty positions in medical colleges. Dr. Bahl disclosed that ICMR is forging Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with 25 premier medical institutions across India to facilitate this endeavor.
“The Indian Council of Medical Research is launching a program this year to nurture physicians into scientists by enrolling them in Ph.D. programs post their appointment as faculty in medical colleges. Hence, we are entering into MOUs with 25 top-tier medical institutions in the country, which will offer avenues for individuals to enroll in Ph.D. programs, with ICMR providing support,” Dr. Bahl stated.
The announcement comes amidst discussions revolving around the National Academy of Medical Sciences’ annual day program, where the imperative of bolstering indigenous medical research in India took center stage. Dr. Bahl underscored the critical role of medical research, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the necessity for robust research infrastructure to confront similar crises in the future.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the indispensability of indigenous medical research. The increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the imperative of pandemic preparedness all hinge upon our medical scientists transitioning into researchers,” Dr. Bahl remarked.
Highlighting the significance of clinician involvement in research, Dr. Bahl emphasized how the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the pivotal role of research in understanding and combating the disease.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, clinicians worldwide found themselves grappling with uncertainties. It was through research that critical insights into the disease’s pathology, prevention strategies, and treatment modalities were gleaned. This unprecedented scenario underscored the pivotal role of medical research in addressing global health crises,” Dr. Bahl elaborated.
The initiative spearheaded by ICMR aims to empower physicians to contribute to cutting-edge medical research, fostering a robust ecosystem that nurtures scientific inquiry and innovation in India’s medical landscape.
