India's Health Research Makes Strides with 100-Day Program

New Delhi- Union Health Minister JP Nadda has announced the successful implementation of the Department of Health Research's (DHR) 100 Days Program, which focuses on healthcare innovation, pandemic preparedness, and the development of indigenous medical technologies. These initiatives align with the Prime Minister’s vision for a Viksit Bharat 2047. Key programs include Med-Tech Mitra, a platform supporting over 250 startups and innovators in developing compliant medical products, and the National One Health Mission (NOHM), which addresses health challenges at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.

Significant steps include the creation of a national network of BSL-3 laboratories, pandemic preparedness training, and a successful H5N1 mock drill. Vaccine development for avian flu, Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), and MPox, as well as NIPAH monoclonal antibodies, are underway. DHR has also launched a program to develop 12 indigenous drugs for 8 rare diseases, making treatments more affordable.

Additionally, the "First in the World" challenge aims to fund 50 high-risk biomedical innovations, further bolstering India's leadership in healthcare solutions. The launch of the Centre for Evidence-Based Guidelines and the Research to Action vertical will ensure research is effectively translated into practice, with a strong focus on building research capacity through PhD fellowships. These initiatives will be formally launched in October 2024, further solidifying India's position as a leader in healthcare innovation and preparedness.