ICMR issues Standard Treatment Workflows for common, serious diseases

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with the National Health Authority (NHA) and WHO India, has released 32 new Standard Treatment Workflows (STWs) for common and serious diseases.

The new STWs cover five specialties – Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery, Paediatric Cardiology, Interventional Radiology, Neuro Surgery, and Orthopaedics, adding to the 125 STWs previously released across 23 specialties in 2019 and 2022. These guidelines prepared by experts promote optimal treatment practices, rational drug use, and efficient healthcare services.

“Standard protocols save lives and improve the quality of care. By incorporating these workflows into medical education from the beginning, we strengthen the foundation of our healthcare professionals. We also aim to disseminate these workflows to healthcare insurance companies, healthcare centres, central health systems, and medical professional bodies,” said Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, DHR and DG ICMR, on the occasion.

During the release of STWs at ICMR, Prof. Vinod Kumar Paul Member NITI Aayog, said, “These vital tools have been the guiding light since inception, shaping a resilient future. These evidence-based and trusted workflows ensure that patients receive the right treatment, while standardization helps healthcare professionals follow guidelines effectively. Transformative and reliable, they guarantee accurate patient care. Standardization empowers healthcare professionals to easily adhere to guidelines, ensuring effective treatment protocols for all.”