Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Traditional Medicine (ICMR-NITM), Belagavi is celebrating its 18^th Foundation Day, on May 27, 2024. The event will be inaugurated by the Honourable Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, and graced by Honourable Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot. It  will also be attended by Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to Government of India, Department of Health Research (DHR), and Director General, ICMR and Smt. Anu Nagar, Joint Secretary, Department of Health Research. The event marks the unwavering commitment of ICMR-NITM to raise the discourse and document evidence-based and research-backed traditional medicine.

The Foundation Day celebration will bring together experts, researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals, to promote collaborative effort in advancing public health and charting the course for the future of traditional medicine in India. The celebration will feature a series of engaging events, including scientific presentations, aimed at fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among stakeholders in public health.

Wishing the Institute scientists, staff and students on the occasion, Secretary DHR and DG ICMR Dr Rajiv Bahl said, “ NITM’s cutting-edge research on traditional medicine can play a crucial role in providing alternative and affordable healthcare solutions to pressing health issues. The institute’s research has demonstrated promising results in the use of traditional preparations for osteoarthritis and wound healing, and household remedies against cholera using pomegranate, guava, and wild papaya.’’

"We are honoured to have the Honourable Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, grace our Foundation Day celebration with his esteemed presence. His support and encouragement inspire us to continue our pursuit of excellence in research and innovation," said Dr. Subarna Roy, Director, ICMR-NITM ahead of the event.

The institute's ongoing research has identified several leads from traditional practices for addressing challenging diseases and conditions. It has an online repository of medicinal plants from Western Ghats and has been providing authentication and herbarium services for such Plants. The Institute has been working in close collaboration with the health authorities and Government Medical Colleges of Karnataka for the past two decades. It has been providing various diagnostic and research support, training, and capacity-building activities.

ICMR-NITM had been instrumental in identifying resurgence of diphtheria in north Karnataka which led to strengthening of surveillance, intensified immunization and prevention of deaths. Other than identifying major outbreaks of cholera, enteric diseases, hepatitis, and diphtheria, the institute has also identified iodine deficiency disorders (goitre) and fluorosis as important health issues in several areas of North Karnataka through its Model Rural Health Research Unit located at Raichur. The institute is presently strengthening its activities with the addition of new scientists and research infrastructure.

About ICMR: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research. It is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world. ICMR’s research priorities align with the National health priorities. These efforts are undertaken with a view to reduce the total burden of disease and to promote health and well-being of the population. ICMR promotes biomedical research in the country through intramural as well as extramural research. Visit us at https://www.icmr.gov.in/

About ICMR-NITM: ICMR-NITM is a premier research institution dedicated to advancing the science and practice of traditional medicine in India. Established with the vision of integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific approaches, ICMR-NITM conducts cutting-edge research, fosters innovation, and promotes evidence-based practices in traditional medicine for the benefit of public health. Visit us at https://icmrnitm.res.in/

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