New Delhi: The Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), (DHR-ICMR) inaugurated a two-day regional meeting titled “Health Research and Innovations in Public Health: Exchange of Good Practices across RESEARCH Platform” at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. Bringing together representatives from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Timor-Leste, the event aims to strengthen regional collaboration in health research, encourage sharing of good practices, and spur medical innovations across South and Southeast Asia.
Accelerating Regional Progress and Sustainable Development
In his plenary address, Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, lauded the commitment of participating countries to advancing the health and well-being of their populations. He emphasized the potential to “learn from each other, co-create research products, and translate science into action.” Dr. Paul highlighted that such collaboration can accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout the region.
Building Stronger Research Ecosystems
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, DHR and Director-General, ICMR, underscored the importance of regional cooperation in tackling common health challenges. “Research is the way forward, and by learning from each other’s research ecosystems, we can build stronger systems, generate knowledge that reflects our realities, and translate it into better health for our people,” he stated.
Shared Priorities and Commitment to Public Health
Representatives from participating countries spotlighted key regional health issues—anaemia, maternal and child health, tuberculosis, vector-borne and non-communicable diseases. They emphasized:
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The pivotal role of governments in building public trust in science.
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The need for sustained capacity-building investments alongside expanding healthcare infrastructure.
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Reinforced dedication to solidarity and regional commitment for health advancements.
Showcasing Innovation: Medical Devices and Diagnostics
A major highlight of the event was the launch of an exhibition by Dr. V.K. Paul, displaying innovative medical products and technologies developed under ICMR’s Medical Device and Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS). The exhibition demonstrates India’s progress in responding to public health needs and modernizing healthcare delivery through home-grown medical innovation.
Deep Dive Sessions and Collaborative Outcomes
The meeting features in-depth sessions on:
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Health research governance structures
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Research financing mechanisms
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Prioritization of research agendas
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Ensuring transparency and ethical conduct in research
Discussions also address translating research into policy, fostering medical technology innovations, and strengthening multilateral collaborations. Through the RESEARCH Platform, countries are working to co-create solutions and bridge science with actionable improvements for public health and universal health coverage.
Conclusion of DHR-ICMR
This first-of-its-kind international meeting marks a new chapter in regional health research cooperation. By uniting under the RESEARCH Platform, South and Southeast Asian nations have signalled their collective resolve to leverage scientific knowledge, build resilient research systems, and drive innovation for better health outcomes and sustainable development across the region.
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Source: PIB
