ICMR Launches National One Health Mission to Strengthen India’s Health Research

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently launched the National One Health Mission, in collaboration with eight leading scientific organizations in India, to bolster health research in the country. This initiative comes as part of the Prime Minister-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), which aims to establish the National Institute of One Health and implement the mission nationwide. Under the National One Health Mission, the ICMR will promote multidisciplinary approaches in health research to address various key areas, such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, child health and nutrition. By fostering collaboration with national and state-level Departments of Health and Family Welfare, the ICMR aims to generate critical evidence for strengthening health interventions in these priority areas. Rajiv Bahl, Director-General of the ICMR, highlighted the council’s vision for health research in India during a recent press conference. He emphasized the importance of expanding the network of Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) and BSL-4 laboratories to enhance diagnostic infrastructure and improve access to laboratory services throughout the country. These efforts will contribute to strengthening the overall public health system. To further support research initiatives, the ICMR has streamlined its Intramural Research Programme funding, focusing on priority health issues. It has also expanded funding under its Extramural Research Programme, particularly for studies related to vaccines, drugs, disease diagnostics, and treatments. These interventions aim to advance public health research in India and ensure the availability of robust scientific evidence for effective health interventions. In line with these developments, the National Institute of Virology, a constituent of the ICMR, has dispatched a mobile BSL-3 laboratory to Kozhikode with the objective of enabling early detection of the Nipah virus. This reflects the ICMR’s commitment to equipping regions prone to specific health threats with the necessary infrastructure to respond swiftly and effectively. As the nation strengthens its health research capabilities, there have been calls to establish a BSL-4 laboratory in Kozhikode to address the recurring threat of the Nipah virus. Members of parliament and other stakeholders have highlighted the need for such a lab to enhance preparedness and ensure timely containment of potential outbreaks. Through the National One Health Mission and the expansion of research infrastructure, the ICMR aims to bridge critical gaps in health research in India. By promoting multidisciplinary collaboration, strengthening laboratory services, and investing in priority areas, the council is set to drive advancements in public health and contribute to stronger health interventions nationwide.