Latest news with #RajivBahl
NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
While Shubhanshu Shukla Was Away, Another Astronaut Simulated Space On Earth
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced that in a pioneering step for India's space programme, it enabled a 10-day Space Analogue Mission named ANUGAMI at the Institute for Aerospace Medicine (IAM) in Bengaluru under the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) Space Psychology Centre. The simulated space environment but in Earth's gravity was "led by IAF astronaut Group Captain Angad Pratap, [and] the crew of three tackled terra farming, resilience, mindfulness and medical emergencies in a high-fidelity space environment." Analogue space missions are an important way to simulate everything from encountering claustrophobia to loneliness, and to consume food that is suitable for astronauts. NASA says "analogue missions help its test systems, protocols, and scenarios on Earth before crews are sent to space. They enhance our capabilities on missions to low Earth orbit, and will help guide future journeys to the Moon, Mars, and beyond." Analogue missions take place in locations that have natural or engineered physical similarities to extreme space environments. They provide NASA with data about strengths and limitations of current and planned human exploration operations. Topics actively researched in analogues include how isolation affects human health, how low gravity affects the human body, and how spacewalk safety can be improved. Test locations include the Antarctic and simulated environments such as motion disorientation machines, spaceflight vehicles, and planetary habitats. The ICMR has said that "as part of Mission Anugami by ICMR's Centre for Advanced Research - Space Psychology, Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR and Air Vice Marshal Anupam Agarwal of Indian Air Force interacted with analogue astronauts of the 10-day Space Analogue Experiment." The unique experiment, a collaborative effort between IAF, ICMR and ISRO, was launched by DK Singh, Director, Human Space Flight Centre of ISRO, on July 7. The mission culminated on July 17, with Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, DGMS (Air), seeing the final simulation. The mission ensures a leap forward in IAF's contribution to the Indian space programme. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Bengaluru-based Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) on March 9, becoming the first Defence Minister to visit the institute. He was briefed about the unique role of IAM in pilot training, their medical evaluation and aeromedical research. Mr Singh also inspected the Dynamic Flight Simulator and High Performance Human Centrifuge used for high-G training of fighter pilots and the spatial disorientation simulator for training pilots of the armed forces to avert the risk of spatial disorientation in flight. He also launched the Indian Council of Medical Research Extramural Research Project: Centre for Advanced Research at the institute. The title of the project is 'Space Psychology: Selection and Behavioural Health Training of Astronauts and Astronaut Designates for Indian Space Missions'. During the inauguration in March, Mr Singh underscored the importance of aerospace medicine, terming it as critical for dealing with challenges such as micro-gravity, radiation, and isolation faced by a human being in space, while also addressing physical and mental changes. "Whether it is an issue related to neurons, bone loss or mental problems, it is the responsibility of aerospace and space medicine to tackle these challenges. The field must prepare itself for bigger responsibilities in the future," he said. In his inaugural address, Mr Singh highlighted the growing need for expertise in aerospace medicine in view of the continuous increase in air and space traffic. "From a defence perspective, space has emerged as a major domain in warfare. We have taken a step forward in this direction and mastered the most-advanced technologies such as anti-satellite. India has also become the fastest-growing aviation market in the world. As we are touching new heights in space, we need to explore more possibilities in aerospace medicine. There is a need for increased R&D as research in any high-end complex technology provides benefits to many fields," the Defence Minister said.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
PGI leads phase 1 clinical trials for indigenous cancer drug development in India
Chandigarh: The PGI is at the forefront of India's efforts to develop indigenous solid tumour cancer drugs, serving as one of the four pivotal Phase 1 Human Clinical Trial Units (CTUs) established by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This initiative marks a significant leap in fostering innovation and promoting homegrown research in the country's pharmaceutical landscape. The molecule for the cancer drug is undergoing phase 1 clinical trials in PGI. The ICMR's visionary plan to create a nationwide network of CTUs aims to bolster the evaluation of new devices, diagnostics, and drugs in their crucial early phases of development. "PGI has been one of the four such units for phase one clinical trials in the country. For new medicine used in humans for the first time, Phase 1 assesses safety. Earlier, these studies were mainly done by big companies, but now ICMR is supporting indigenous clinical trials," stated Dr. Rajiv Bahl, director of ICMR. The ICMR director informed that phase 1 clinical trials elsewhere in these CTUs are ongoing for the development of Zika virus and antiflu vaccines. Alongside PGI, the other three distinguished CTUs in this Phase 1 network are KEM Mumbai, the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) Mumbai, and SRM Chennai. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Amount Kate Garraway's Husband Left Behind Will Shock You Weight Loss Groove Undo These institutions are integral to nurturing homegrown innovations, a key focus for the ICMR. Dr. Bahl said, "There are 75 such networks in the country for Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials." PGI boasts a rich history in clinical drug trials, conducting the country's first human study in 2006. This pioneering trial involved an antimalarial drug molecule developed by the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, with PGI playing a crucial role in developing a joint protocol and taking the research forward. Also, last year the PGI's CTU proposed an 8-bedded facility for the participating volunteers to be enhanced from the existing 4 beds. However, this facility has yet to take off. "One can compete with world-class innovations if there are better facilities for the volunteers who are the backbone of such clinical trials," said an official at the ICMR.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: ICMR chief lauds institute's innovation, 31 workers honoured
With over 27 lakh patients treated last year, 74 research grants secured in two years, and innovations gaining global recognition, PGIMER Chandigarh celebrated 62 years of advancing healthcare and medical research on Monday. Recognised as one of India's premier medical institutions, the institute has played a pivotal role in transforming clinical care and translational research. Dr Rajiv Bahl, director general of ICMR. (Keshav Singh/HT) Dr Rajiv Bahl, secretary to the government of India in the department of health research and the director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research, was the chief guest at the 62nd Foundation Day event. A total of 31 PGIMER employees were felicitated for their outstanding service to the institution. Applauding PGIMER's achievements, Dr Bahl said, 'PGI's leadership in clinical trials and research is crucial for India's future in global healthcare innovation.' Founded in 1962 and inaugurated on July 7, 1963, PGIMER was declared an Institute of National Importance in 1967. Spread across 277 acres, the institute today has over 11,800 staff, including 728 faculty members and 1,300 resident doctors. It has a capacity of 2,233 beds, with 207 ICU beds and 73 operation theatres, catering to nearly 10,000 outpatients daily. 'Devices like the infrared hematoma detector and Mobi-lab, developed with ICMR support, have attracted international attention—even from Bill Gates,' said Dr Bahl. Dr D Behera, PGIMER's professor emeritus and president, National Academy of Medical Sciences, attended the event as guest of honour.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Securing 74 grants in just two years is a testament to PGI's relentless pursuit of excellence: Dr Rajiv Bahl
'PGI Chandigarh is truly a national treasure, a hub where the brightest minds converge to push the boundaries of medical science. Over the past two years alone, PGI has secured 74 grants, with nearly half dedicated to developing new interventions and technologies. This is a testament to PGI's relentless pursuit of excellence and its vital role in India's innovation ecosystem,' said Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research. Addressing the 62nd Institute Foundation Day celebrations of PGI as the chief guest, ICMR director deneral lauded PGI's crucial role in clinical trials and translational research during his keynote address themed on 'Creating more physicians, scientists and innovators in leading medical institutes'. 'PGI's position as one of the primary institutes conducting phase one clinical trials outside industry showcases our capacity to bring cutting-edge therapies from bench to bedside. This is essential for making India a global leader in medical research and development.' Highlighting the importance of integrating research with clinical practice, Dr Bahl said that the 'future of Indian healthcare rests on our ability to develop new interventions and diagnostic tools. ICMR's focus on evidence-based research, combined with its commitment to training physician scientists, is essential for India's journey toward self-reliance in medical technology'. Dr Bahl emphasised the importance of engineer-doctor industry partnership to create science and research into innovation to reach out to patients as he highlighted 'ICMR's strategic collaborations with IITs, AIIMS, and other premier institutions exemplify our collective commitment to bridging medicine and technology. The pioneering devices developed here, such as the infrared hematoma detector and Mobi-lab, have already garnered international attention, even impressing global leaders like Bill Gates. It's a proud moment for India and a validation of our leadership in healthcare innovation.' Sharing ICMR's vision for Viksit Bharat, Dr Bahl underpinned that the goal is to support Indian scientists and entrepreneurs in creating first-in-the-world technologies. 'The recent challenge grants and patent support programmes of ICMR are designed to catalyse this spirit of innovation, ensuring India remains at the forefront of medical breakthroughs.' Earlier, Prof Vivek Lal, Director of PGI, acknowledged the PGI team's diligence and hard work amid an exponentially growing patient burden. 'We make up for infrastructure gaps through relentless passion.' Thirty-one PGI employees were honoured for their outstanding service on the occasion.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
PGI turns 62, celebrates legacy of innovation
Chandigarh: PGI marked its 62nd Institute Foundation Day Monday, with a celebration of its legacy of excellence and innovation. "Over the past two years alone, PGI secured 74 grants, with nearly half dedicated to developing new interventions and technologies. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is a testament to PGI's relentless pursuit of excellence and its vital role in India's innovation ecosystem," Dr Rajiv Bahl, DG of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said. He was the chief guest of the programme. "PGI's position as one of the primary institutes conducting phase one clinical trials outside industry showcases our capacity to bring cutting-edge therapies from bench to bedside. This is essential for making India a global leader in medical research and development," Dr Bahl said, emphasising PGIMER's crucial contribution to clinical trials and translational research. "Our goal is to support Indian scientists and entrepreneurs in creating first-in-the-world technologies. The recent challenge grants and patent support programmes of ICMR are designed to catalyse this spirit of innovation, ensuring India remains at the forefront of medical breakthroughs," Dr Bahl said, sharing ICMR's vision for Viksit Bharat. Dr Bahl is also the secretary of the department of health research, under Govt of India. TNN
