World · India Bureau
ICMR official calls for socially relevant research in geriatric care
A senior Indian Council of Medical Research official has urged young researchers to focus on pressing healthcare challenges, including elderly care and indigenous medical innovations. The call came during a research recognition event at a leading Kerala medical institution.
LSN India ·
Dr. Sanghamitra Pati, addressing researchers at KUHS Research Day, emphasised the importance of directing scientific inquiry toward problems with direct societal impact. Speaking to the gathering, the ICMR official highlighted geriatric care and the development of indigenous medical devices as priority areas requiring sustained research attention in India's evolving healthcare landscape.
The event recognised outstanding contributions to medical research, with 428 undergraduate students receiving Research Appreciation Awards for their work across various disciplines. The honours underscore the institution's commitment to fostering a research culture among early-career medical professionals.
Dr. Pati's remarks reflect broader efforts within India's medical research establishment to redirect academic resources toward challenges aligned with public health priorities. The emphasis on indigenous medical device innovation also signals growing interest in developing cost-effective healthcare solutions suited to India's demographic and economic contexts.
The recognition of undergraduate researchers signals a shift in medical education towards involving students in meaningful research earlier in their academic careers, potentially strengthening the country's pipeline of research-oriented healthcare professionals.