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New Delhi – A parliamentary committee has raised serious concerns about the alarming rate of brain drain plaguing India’s health and research sectors, highlighting a critical shortage of scientists within the Department of Health Research (DHR). The committee’s report, released recently, points to a persistent exodus of highly skilled Indian professionals to developed nations, posing a significant threat to the nation’s research capabilities.
The panel’s findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to retain and attract scientific talent. Key recommendations include a substantial overhaul of the higher education system, a significant boost in research infrastructure, and increased funding for crucial research initiatives. Furthermore, the committee stressed the importance of improving the living standards and stipends of scientists to make domestic research careers more appealing.
“India needs to improve higher education, research infrastructure, funding, living standards, and scientist stipends to curb brain drain, possibly with private sector involvement,” the report stated. The panel also suggested exploring avenues for private sector involvement to augment research funding and infrastructure.
In an effort to address the acute shortage of scientists, the committee urged the DHR to implement more attractive service conditions, enhance remuneration packages, and streamline the recruitment process. The report also criticized the department’s ineffective strategies to attract non-resident Indians (NRIs), persons of Indian origin (PIOs), and overseas citizens of India (OCIs) back to the country.
The panel further emphasized the necessity of embracing new technologies in research while ensuring stringent safeguards for participant consent and balancing research progress with privacy rights. Recognizing the growing importance of digital health and data sciences, the committee advocated for increased collaboration with leading private sector organizations in these fields.
The report also highlighted the need to create an environment that encourages skilled professionals currently working abroad to return and contribute to India’s burgeoning health research landscape.
The committee’s recommendations signify a critical call for action to address the systemic issues contributing to the brain drain and to bolster India’s position as a global leader in health and research.
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