Indian Council of Medical Research
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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research, is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world. The Council's research priorities coincide with the National health priorities such as control and management of communicable diseases, fertility control, maternal and child health, control of nutritional disorders, developing alternative strategies for health care delivery, containment within safety limits of environmental and occupational health problems; research on major non-communicable diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, blindness, diabetes and other metabolic and haematological disorders; mental health research and drug research (including traditional remedies). All these efforts are undertaken with a view to reduce the total burden of disease and to promote health and well-being of the population.
The ICMR comprises permanent institutes and regional medical research centres.
ICMR's Permanent Institutes
National JALMA Institute for Leprosy & Other Mycobacterial Diseases, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/jalma.htm
The Institute has established state-of-the-art BSL-3 Labs (one for Microbiology & Molecular Biology and an other for Animal Studies), Microarray facility and DNA as well as protein sequencing etc. The activities of the Institute in the area of AIDS are moving towards addressing some important research questions like relationships between HIV & leprosy and HIV & tuberculosis. Epidemiological studies on protection, transmission dynamics and effect of various interventions are progressing well.
National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), http://icmr.nic.in/institute.htm#Permanent%20Institutes/Centres
The NIOH has been carrying out significant studies on various aspects of occupational/industrial health involving epidemiological studies and surveillance of hazardous occupations including air pollution, noise pollution, agricultural hazards, industrial hazards in organised sectors as well as small scale industries, carcinogenesis, pesticide toxicology, etc., in different parts of India, apart from laboratory and clinical studies for recognition and evaluation of risk factors for occupation/environment related diseases and designing of appropriate measures for prevention of hazards and/or control of the risk factors at work places.
Tuberculosis Research Centre (TRC), http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/trc.htm
The Centre has demonstrated that supervised administration of anti tuberculosis drugs twice weekly is as efficacious as daily self administered treatment. The DOTS (directly observed treatment short-course) is currently a globally accepted programme for control of tuberculosis. The Centre imparts training in controlled clinical trials and laboratory aspects of tuberculosis.
National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/nie.htm
The Institute carries out a variety of research activities which include areas such as interventional studies, disease modelling, and health systems research, evaluation of health schemes and disease control programmes, issues of statistical methodology, epidemiological investigations and clinical trials of traditional remedies.
National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/mrc.htm
The major areas of research carried out over the years are on mosquito fauna surveys, development of genetic and molecular markers for important malaria vectors and parasites, cytotaxonomic studies identifying major vectors as species complexes and laboratory and field studies to examine the biological variations among sibling species, development of molecular identification techniques for sibling species, monitoring of insecticide resistance through space and time, preparation of action plans, etc. have yielded valuable information.
Institute of Pathology, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/iop.htm
Over the years, the IRP not only collected, duplicated and distributed teaching material in different branches of Pathology to various institutes/medical colleges in India but also succeeded in mass-producing colour transparencies at a very low cost. The IRP also made significant contributions in the area of Indian childhood cirrhosis, cerebral oedema, encephalopathy syndrome, experimental neurolathyrism, osteopathology, etc.
National Institute of Medical Statistics (NIMS), http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/nims.htm
The institute is engaged in wide spectrum of research, which ranges from core areas of statistics, cancer epidemiology, nutrition, infectious diseases, morbidity and mortality, reproductive and child health, research methodology for behavioural and clinical trials and sampling methodology. It works closely with the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Govt. of India for the estimation of HIV burden in the country.
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/nin.htm
The Institute has started as "Beri-beri unit" in 1918 as a one-room laboratory in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. The establishment of this unit laid the foundation for research on human nutrition in India. Within a short span of seven years, this unit blossomed into a "Deficiency Disease Enquiry" and later in 1929, emerged as full-fledged "Nutrition Research Laboratory" (NRL) with Dr. McCarrison as its first Director.
National Centre for Laboratory Animal Science (NCLAS), http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/nclas.htm
Since the facilities available at Coonoor for the expanding activities for clinical work were inadequate, in 1959, the NRL was shifted to Hyderabad in the picturesque Osmania University campus in a 30 acre plot giving a boost to its rapid growth.
Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre (FDTRC), http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/fdtrc.htm
The major areas of research carried out over the years are on mosquito fauna surveys, development of genetic and molecular markers for important malaria vectors and parasites, cytotaxonomic studies identifying major vectors as species complexes and laboratory and field studies to examine the biological variations among sibling species, development of molecular identification techniques for sibling species, monitoring of insecticide resistance through space and time, preparation of action plans, etc. have yielded valuable information.
National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED), http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/niced.htm
The Centre initiated a number of clinical trials for evaluation of newer therapeutic methods, two cholera vaccine field trials in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva , cholera carriers, serological and chemoprophylaxis studies.
With the advancement in biotechnology, improved diagnostic procedures and discovery of a large number of pathogenic enteric micro-organisms during 1970s, this Centre also expanded its activities which motivated ICMR to elevate this Centre into a full fledged research establishment with the status of a "National Institute" and renamed it as “National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases" (NICED) in 1979
Centre for Research in Medical Entomology, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/crme.htm
The Centre has three field stations and three main divisions at headquarters, viz., (10 Serology and Surveillance, (2) Insecticide and Vector Biology and Training. These divisions along with the field stations are engaged in research on various aspects of Japanese encephalitis (JE), dengue, filariasis etc. The Centre is equipped with adequate infrastructure to undertake research related to molecular entomology, mosquito taxonomy, vector ecology, vector biology, vector control, epidemiology and serology.
National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/irr.htm
The Institute's research programme includes basic and clinical studies on immunocontraception, implantation, contraceptive and contraceptive potentials of antiprogestins, reproductive tract infections, infertility and semenology, clinical genetics, acceptability of various contraceptives, menopause & HRT , drug transport, development of diagnostic kits for reproductive hormones and sexually transmitted diseases. Its laboratories and clinics are well equipped to meet the requirements of the on-going research.
National Institute of Immunohaematology, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/iih.htm
NIM motto is to conduct basic and clinical research for the benefit of society and ultimately the nation. Newer areas developed included molecular genetics and prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies, hemostasis and thrombosis, cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics, cell biology applications in hematology and stem cell research.
Enterovirus Research Centre, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/evrc.htm
The Council's Enterovirus Research Unit located at the Haffkine Institute, Bombay, was upgraded in 1981 as the Enterovirus Research Centre (EVRC). The EVRC is engaged in studies on all major enteroviruses including poliomyelitis.
Genetic Research Centre, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/grc/grc.htm
Institute of Research in Reproduction. Since its inception the centre has catered to the needs of families having children with mental retardation and multiple malformations. The major activity of the centre is to run an effective clinic where couples are counselled regarding recurrence risk of genetic disorders and availability of prenatal diagnosis.
Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology (ICPO), http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/icpo.htm
The thrust areas of research include precancer and cancer of the uterine cervix and breast in women. Multidisciplinary studies involving epidemiological, behavioral, clinical, cytomorphological, cytogenetic, biochemical, virological, immunological and molecular biological aspects are being undertaken in order to understand the natural history, biological behaviour and mechanisms of carcinogenesis. ICPO has since made significant contributions in the field of cervical cancer research. The concept of clinical downstaging, visual inspection of cervix with selective cytology screening and development of novel diagnostic approaches for screening HPV and other cancer causing and cancer suppressor genes have been introduced for early detection of cervical cancer.
Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/rmri.htm
Molecular level work on vector of Kala-azar (sand fly), and parasite are major areas of research. The institute’s is also involved in the field-based study on various social aspects. Besides this, the institute is also doing research work on HIV/AIDS.
Vector Control Research Centre, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/vcrc.htm
A centre of excellence for research and training in vector-borne diseases and control and a WHO collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Lymphatic Filariasis and Integrated Methods of Vector Control.
Microbial Containment Complex, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/mcc.htm
Newer diseases caused by unknown as well as known pathogens were emerging and re-emerging in different places and geographical areas. Due to these concerns, in 1978, the Department of Science and technology (Government of India) suggested creation of containment laboratories under ICMR.
National Institute of Virology, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/niv.htm
The NIV is identified today as the WHO Collaborating Centre for arboviruses reference and haemorrhagic fever reference and research. NIV is also the National Monitoring Centre for Influenza, Japanese encephalitis, Rota , Measles and Hepatitis.
National AIDS Research Institute, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/nari.htm
NARI has isolated HIV-1 and HIV-2 strains of virus for characterisation necessary for base-line work for future efforts towards development of AIDS vaccine using Indian viral strains. NARI has generated and followed a cohort of `at risk' HIV seronegative individual for estimation of incidence rates of HIV. The biological and behavioral risk factors have also been identified. Such cohorts are critical for any future intervention trials.
ICMR's Regional Medical Research Centres
Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/Bhubaneswar.htm
The Centre since its inspection has addressed its research issues on various aspects like clinical, epidemiological, sociological immunological, parasitological and entomological aspects of filariasis. Studies are undertaken intending to define the atypical clinical spectrum of filarial infection and host-parasite interaction, to evaluate suitable chemotherapy for treatment as well as to curtail transmission,develop specific immunodiagnostic to define protective immunity and strategy for morbidity control through integrated vector control approach. Besides studies are addressed to understand immunoregulation that can assist developing candidate vaccine against the disease.
Regional Medical Research Centre, NE Region Dibrugarh, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/dibrugarh.htm
Regional Medical Research Centre, NE Region is one of the six regional centres of Indian Council of Medical Research. It covers the most remote and less developed seven states of the north-eastern region and is responsible for carrying out Biomedical Research in the region. It was established in 1982 and runs with intramural grant from ICMR and extramural adhoc projects from different funding agencies. Its current primary focus of research is on (i) Mosquito borne diseases (ii) HIV and drug abuse (iii) Trematode infection (iv) Haemoglobinopathies. The secondary focus of research of the center is on (i) Cancer nasopharynx, oesophagus, stomach (ii) Cardiovascular diseases (iii) Medicinal plants of NE India (iv) Nutrition
Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/portblair.htm
Leptospirosis is the thrust area of research and the Centre has been designated as the National Reference Centre for Leptospirosis in India and also been desiganted as WHO Colloborative Centre for Diagnosis, Reference, Research and Training in Leptospiosis
Regional Medical Research Centre for Tribals, Jabalpur, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/jabalpur.htm
The centre continued functioning from Medical college till 1990 to address mainly to the study of the health and nutritional problems of the tribal populations, including nutritional disorders, common communicable diseases, environmental health problems, etc. The expertise of the scientists has been utilized by the State Health in planning, monitoring and evaluation of tribal health and other developmental programs in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and also in training health functionaries of these states. This Centre is also attempting simultaneously to estimate the magnitude of health problems posed by other common diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, diarrhoea, filariasis, venereal diseases, poliomyelitis, measles, etc. Further, the Centre also studies the blood groups, abnormal haemoglobins and other genetic health problems to stratify areas and to suggest control measures including interventions. Socio-economic, demographic and cultural profile of the tribal population gives an insight about how they play an important role in complicating and enhancing the magnitude of the problem.
Desert Medicine Research Centre, Jodhpur, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/jodhpur.htm
Desert constitutes about one seventh of the globe land surface. In India about 70% of its arid zone lies in the state of Rajasthan. In Rajasthan, 60% of its area is desert and 40% of the total population resides there with population density ranging from 6-178 person per square kilometer. The objective of the institute are:
- To promote research into health problems of the desert population.
- To promote research into human adaptation to hostile extremes of the climate.
- To develop health surveillance and monitoring system, also taking into account of various development activities.
Regional Medical Research Centre, Belgaum, http://icmr.nic.in/pinstitute/belgaum.htm
The Centre is working on diseases of regional importance and also helping in integration of leads from ancient and traditional knowledge in modern medicine by providing scientific evidence. This shall hopefully help in developing cost-effective health care and effective interventions. As the National Rural Health Mission proposed to bring the practitioners of Indian Systems of Medicine in the mainstream of health policy, our Centre shall play an important role in this endeavor. This Centre shall also help in resource capacity building and establishing infrastructure and research environment in this region.
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