ICMR signs MoA with AYUSH Ministry for health research in Integrated Medicine

The apex health research body the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under health ministry on Thursday inked an MoU (Memorandum of Agreement) with the Ayush Ministry for collaboration and cooperation in health research in the field of Integrated Medicine.

The MoA envisages cooperation and collaboration between Ministry of AYUSH and ICMR for exploring the areas of convergence and synergy between the two organisations for integrative health research and strengthening research capacity. The MOA also envisages exploring possibility to work on public health research initiatives for addressing diseases of national importance.

The efforts to conduct high-quality clinical trials jointly on identified areas/disease conditions of national importance with promising therapies of Ayush system to generate evidence for wider acceptance is also part of the agreement signed today. A joint working group shall be created between Ministry of AYUSH and ICMR which will meet quarterly for exploring further areas of collaboration and work on deliverables. Both institutions shall formulate and implement joint research projects and programs and allow joint supervision of the said activities as well as design and conduct conferences, workshops, seminars jointly with active participation of researchers interested in the field of Integrative Healthcare.

Union Ayush Secretary Rajesh Kotecha and Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary DHR & DG, ICMR in the presence of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Union health minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of AYUSH and Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State health.

Commending the initiative,  Mr Mandaviya said “combining traditional knowledge with modern research & innovation, the MoA signed between the two institutions will boost Ayurveda to further build its identity on the basis of scientific evidence.” Lauding the agreement, the Health Minister further stated that “this partnership will have a significant contribution in the development and reach of Integrated Medicine.”

The Health Minister further stated “this collaboration will promote high impact integrative research to generate evidence in priority areas of national importance in healthcare utilizing modern scientific methods. Joint efforts will be in place to conduct high-quality clinical trials on identified areas/disease conditions of national importance with promising integrative therapies to generate evidence for wider acceptance.”