Research

'Only 3-4 % of Health Research Output in India is of Public Health Significance'

Public health research findings by George Institute were released at the launch of their Hyderabad set-up

Inauguration of the George Institute, Hyderabad

High quality public health research in India has been quite deficient of credible information which can bring informed improvement in long and not just short term in the health of the population at large. The George Institute in India in the last 10-15 years have done a systematic assessment of how deficient the public health research is and the study that they have published revealed that of all the health research output from India, only three-four per cent is of public health significance. This study was shared recently at the inauguration of George Institute India in Hyderabad. The Institute is registered as a not-for-profit organisation affiliated with the University of Sydney.

"Major flaw is that the issues being addressed are not always in sync with major health problems. However, the partnership with the Government of India through Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and with subsequent partnerships with a range of stakeholders in India, we can contribute to radical improvements in the lives of Indians," said Professor Lalit Dandona, Senior Director, George Institute India.

The launch was followed with the signing of MoU with ICMR, thereby finalising their partnership with ICMR. The ceremony was attended by Professor NK Ganguly, former Director General of ICMR, Dr SK Bhattacharya, Additional Director General of ICMR and Professor Bruce Robinson, Dean at the University of Sydney.

Professor Dandona further said that The George Institute India will undertake large-scale health research projects and help apply the findings to boost relevant health programmes in India. "Here, we aim to contribute towards improving the health landscape by identifying solutions to major health problems through research, the translation of research findings into policy and practice, and capacity building," said Professor Dandona. The Institute seeks to discover modifiable causes of the conditions causing major disease burden, including communicable and non-communicable diseases and injuries, to identify effective and affordable prevention and treatment strategies, and to strengthen health systems and services.

Professor Ganguly, who played a key role in initiating the collaboration with The George Institute and the University of Sydney, said, "We identified substantial synergies in the interests of ICMR and these institutions to improve the health situation in India through research, which rapidly led to an agreement that would be beneficial to India and all institutions involved. I am delighted that this MoU has been signed, which will now enable the actual task of collaborating on research and teaching to move forward for better health in India."

Professor Robinson said, "The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney is internationally regarded for its cutting-edge education and research across the full spectrum of health and medical sciences including basic, clinical and public health disciplines. The George Institute has been affiliated with the University since its inception, and this partnership gives us another opportunity to work closely with them and contribute to better health of the people in India."

EH News Bureau