INDIAN
COUNCIL FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH – POLITY
News: ICMR to find out if flu vaccines can
reduce respiratory infections in the elderly
What's
in the news?
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The population over 50 years is expected
to represent 27% of the projected population in India in 2036 out of which 13%
will be over 60 years.
Indian
Council for Medical Research (ICMR):
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ICMR is India’s apex scientific body for the formulation, coordination and
promotion of biomedical research.
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It was established in 1911 as Indian
Research Fund Association (IRFA) making it one of oldest and largest medical
research bodies in the world.
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It is headquartered in New Delhi.
Nodal
Authority:
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The ICMR functions under the Department of
Health Research, Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare.
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Its Governing
Body is presided over by the Health Minister.
Vision:
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Translating Research into Action for
Improving the Health of the Population.
Governance:
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It is assisted in scientific and technical
matters by the Scientific Advisory Board
comprising eminent experts in different biomedical disciplines.
Research:
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ICMR’s research priorities coincide with
national health priorities such as control and management of communicable diseases, fertility
control, maternal and child health, control of nutritional disorders, research
on major non-communicable diseases
like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and mental health research and
drug research (including traditional remedies) and developing alternative
strategies for health care delivery.