CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Has Adequate Funds for Research Projects; Only High-Quality Projects Needed: Dr. Ashu Grover

Dr. Ashu Grover, Head of the Delivery Research Division at ICMR and Scientist-G, stated that ICMR has sufficient funds for research projects; what is required is high-quality projects. Researchers can apply for these funds by focusing on the quality of their projects. She shared this message while addressing a seminar on ‘The Importance of Clinical Research’ organized by the Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC).

 

The seminar was organized by BMHRC’s Research Cell. During the seminar, Dr. Rehan-ul-Haq, Dean of Research at AIIMS, spoke on the topic ‘Why Physicians Should Engage in Research.’ Dr. Manisha Srivastava, Acting Director of BMHRC, also discussed the importance of research in advancing medical science and improving patient care before the attending doctors, nurses, and other staff.

Dr. Ashu Grover emphasized that ICMR wants more people in the country to engage in research so that Indian research can stand on par with research conducted in developed countries. Funding is no longer an issue for this goal. The council provides up to 2 crore rupees under small grants for research projects. ICMR is making significant efforts to secure additional funds for research. She advised researchers to continuously work on enhancing their research projects and recommended reading good research journals. She noted that there is no shortage of data and patient numbers for quality research, nor is there a lack of educational standards. The only deficiency is in the research environment, which needs to be improved in our institutions.

Dr. Rehan-ul-Haq from AIIMS suggested selecting a good research topic—one that is new, important, and of personal interest, with a solid understanding of it. After choosing the topic, define your research question carefully. Always conduct ethical research and ensure that the research project is published in reputable medical journals.

Dr. Manisha Srivastava of BMHRC stated that the institution is focused on both providing good treatment to patients and on research. There are many topics and resources available for research. She urged all hospital doctors to pay attention to research alongside patient care and to consider how the research topic will benefit patients.