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.
History
In 1911, the Government of India set up the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) with the specific objective of sponsoring and coordinating medical research in the country. After independence, it was redesignated the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 1949.
Mandate
- Apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research
- Conduct, coordinate and implement medical research for the benefit of the society
- Translating medical innovations into products/processes and introducing them into the public health system
Vision
- Translating Research into Action for Improving the Health of the Population.
Organisational structure
The Governing Body of ICMR is presided over by the Union Health Minister. It is assisted in scientific and technical matters by a Scientific Advisory Board comprising eminent experts in different biomedical disciplines.
Research is carried out currently through the Council’s 32 Permanent Research Institutes/Centres which are mission-oriented national institutes located in different parts of India.
