New Delhi, Oct 12 (PTI) Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Monday laid the foundation stone of the ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research at Keylong in Himachal Pradesh.
He said the institute would strengthen scientific understanding of health challenges faced by Himalayan communities and personnel deployed there.
According to a statement, Nadda said there is a need for scientific research to understand the health implications of low oxygen levels, extreme cold, changing climatic conditions, and the distinctive lifestyles of tribal communities.
Systematic studies of these region-specific challenges would help identify health risks, develop interventions and strengthen preventive healthcare, he said.
Nadda mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and appreciated the collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Armed Forces Medical Services in establishing the centre.
He also acknowledged the contribution of AIIMS-Bilaspur, which would participate in studying the health impact of high-altitude conditions on patients visiting the region.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut were among those present at the event.
ICMR Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl said Keylong would be a place where laboratories and communities meet, with local people participating in research aimed at improving health outcomes.
The Centre will be a permanent, year-round institution with state-of-the-art laboratories and specialised human resources, the statement said.
Its central mandate will be to generate evidence on the health effects of high altitude, low oxygen levels, extreme cold and changing climatic conditions.
Thus, the Centre will undertake research relevant to both the armed forces and civilian populations.
It will also examine how emerging technologies, including drone-enabled medicine delivery, digital health and artificial intelligence, can improve access to healthcare in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. PTI PLB BPL VN
VN
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.