Health ministry launches ICMR/ DHR policy on biomedical innovation

The policy will also cater to entrepreneurship for medical professionals, scientists and technologists at medical, dental, para-medical institutes/colleges

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare along with Dr Bharti Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare launched the ICMR/ DHR Policy on Biomedical Innovation & Entrepreneurship for Medical Professionals, Scientists and Technologists at Medical, Dental, Para-Medical Institutes/Colleges.

Acknowledging research and innovation as primary pillars that propel any country towards growth and development in a competitive global canvas, Dr Mandaviya said, “It is time that India also demonstrates its strength and mettle through research, entrepreneurship and innovative initiatives in the health sector, including medical devices. I am hopeful that this Policy of DHR-ICMR unveiled will motivate, incentivise and give a fillip to all the stakeholders. It will ensure multi-disciplinary collaboration, promote start-up culture and develop an innovation-led ecosystem at the medical institutes across the country by promoting Make-in India, Start-Up-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives of the Government of India.”

The Union minister stated, “Our medical workforce comprising of doctors, paramedical staff, technicians have a wealth of knowledge based on their experience of working with fundamental problems at the cutting edge level. They also have ideas for innovations. Till now, these could not get a policy framework and platform for further growth. This policy will connect the industry, technical institutions and promote commercial translation of these ideas and innovations in the health sector.”

Dr Bharti Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare appreciated the initiative and congratulated DHR and ICMR for bringing out this very important policy document and stated, “I strongly believe that this policy will create innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem at Medical Colleges/Institutes and will create a pipeline of healthcare innovations including medical device and diagnostic products in India. Wider dissemination and implementation of this policy will catalyse biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship in the country in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of New India.” She added that doctors and medical professionals are ideally positioned to be at the forefront of innovation and research.  

Prof Balram Bharagava, Secretary, DHR and Director General, ICMR said “The ICMR/DHR policy on Biomedical Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Medical Professionals is a game-changer. It will enable medical institutions to actively support their personnel in contributing towards innovation and entrepreneurial ventures with the ultimate goal of positively impacting human health and well-being.” 

As per the policy, the medical professionals/ doctors will be encouraged to pursue entrepreneurial ventures by forming start-up companies, taking an adjunct position in the company- non-executive director or scientific advisor. The doctors will also be permitted to undertake inter-institutional and industry projects alone or through companies, license technologies to business entities leading to commercialisation, revenue generation for self-sustenance and societal benefit. The medical professionals will also be permitted to take up sabbatical for translational and commercialisation of their innovation through their start-up company set-up following the institute’s permission. The Policy will promote interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, technology development, skill development and foster entrepreneurship development & Make-in-India product development for societal benefit. DHR- ICMR formulated this Policy in consultation with other Government departments/ ministries/organisations such as DPIIT, DST, WIPO, DSIR, AIIMS, IIT Delhi etc. This policy is an attempt to enable medical institutions to actively support their personnel to contribute to innovation and entrepreneurship associated activities.

PIB