THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a)to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.
283 FOR 30TH AUGUST, 2013
(a) ICMR has been actively engaged in promoting Health Research,
outbreak/epidemic investigations and addressing the consequential health
issues. The Council has given special attention to health issues of
Tribal and marginalized communities with special focus to remote
inaccessible areas including North Eastern States.
During the last 3 years and current year, ICMR has funded around 2502
new extramural and intramural projects. Major Research Projects undertaken by
ICMR during the last 3 years and current year are in the area of diagnosis,
prevention and management of communicable diseases. Non-communicable diseases,
Basic medical services including Genetics; and health systems Socio-behaved
research; Reproductive and Child health and Nutrition.
Department of Health Research has launched three schemes during 2013-14 for
encouraging health research and setting up of infrastructure for laboratories
/diagnostic facilities.
(b)&(c) Vacant posts are filled up on continuous basis and this has not
adversely affected the on-going research projects of ICMR or the progress
thereof. However, major expansion in terms of establishing new programmes,
infrastructure/centres in new areas has been delayed due to budgetary
constraints and restriction on creation of new posts.
(d) Following measures have been taken to augment capacity and infrastructure
improvement in ICMR:
(i)Budgetary support for its schemes and programmes;
(ii) Enhance capacity building and skill of its scientists through training
and fellowships in India and abroad and through participation in international
workshops/seminars
(iii) Strengthening the functioning of ICMR by pursuing the
creation of additional posts and adequate budgetary allocations.
