ICMR Unveils Series of Healthcare Initiatives to Boost Public Health

These initiatives, spanning a wide array of health concerns, reflect ICMR's commitment to improving public health outcomes nationwide.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has unveiled a series of comprehensive guidelines and policies to enhance healthcare efforts across various fronts.

One of the key initiatives unveiled by ICMR focuses on empowering individuals through self-breast examination for the early detection of breast cancer. Emphasizing the importance of this approach, ICMR underscores its significance in improving survival rates and reducing the burden of breast cancer in India.

These initiatives, spanning a wide array of health concerns, reflect ICMR's efforts to improve public health outcomes nationwide.

Additionally, ICMR has formulated comprehensive guidelines for managing type 1 diabetes, covering various aspects such as epidemiology, diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and complications management.

These guidelines are tailored to optimize care for individuals living with Type-1 diabetes, addressing the growing prevalence of this condition in the country.

Tackling Tobacco Control, Snakebite Prevention, & STI Surveillance

ICMR's contributions extend to shaping tobacco control policies in India by developing crucial documents such as the Tobacco Control in India 2022.

Furthermore, the council has presented a roadmap for the national program on preventing and controlling snakebite, aiming to mitigate the impact of snakebite-related morbidity and mortality through strategic interventions.

In collaboration with the National AIDS Research Institute (NARI), ICMR has also formulated guidelines for sexually transmitted infection (STI) surveillance and the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis. These guidelines serve as essential tools for monitoring and addressing the burden of STIs, along with preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

Addressing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome & Sepsis Diagnosis

ICMR's multicentric task force study on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) offers valuable insights into the prevalence and regional phenotypic variation of PCOS in India.

This data-driven approach provides critical information for clinical management and policy formulation related to PCOS, addressing a significant health concern affecting many women.

Additionally, in the area of sepsis diagnosis, ICMR has developed target product profiles outlining the criteria for diagnostic tests. These profiles, tailored to the specific needs of healthcare settings in India, facilitate timely and accurate diagnosis of sepsis, a life-threatening condition requiring prompt intervention.

Recent Initiatives by ICMR

In a noteworthy move towards fortifying public health infrastructure, ICMR initiated the revision process for the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL).

This comprehensive catalog outlines the minimum number of diagnostic tests necessary at various healthcare facilities. Through a public call for suggestions, ICMR aims to finalize the revised list, enhancing its effectiveness in addressing evolving healthcare needs.

Additionally, Union Minister of Health, Family Welfare, and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated five new facilities at the ICMR National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR-NIMR), including an advanced BSL3 laboratory. This step underscores India's commitment to eliminating malaria by 2030, with a focus on addressing infectious pathogens of public health significance.

Furthermore, to combat the persistent challenge of anemia in India, ICMR has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from eligible companies or startups to manufacture 'non-invasive haemoglobinometer' devices. Once validated, these devices will facilitate efficient anemia screening across various age groups, aligning with national health priorities.

Days back, ICMR planned to collaborate with manufacturing companies for malaria detection tech transfer. Under this collaboration, ICMR is set to grant companies the rights to develop further, manufacture, sell, and commercialize the diagnostic technology.

Further, ICMR-NIMR institute's technical oversight and the companies’ manufacturing capabilities will speed up the process to ensure a smooth transition from development to widespread commercial use.