Health Research Department Gets INR 531 Cr Boost in Union Budget

The funds will also be directed toward addressing health challenges such as anemia and cancers, research implementation, and pandemic preparedness. 

 The Union Health Ministry’s Department of Health Research has been allocated INR 531 Cr in the Union Budget to be invested over the next five years.

The allocated funds will reportedly be used in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and developing new therapies.

“There has been an 18% increase in the budget for the Department of Health Research this year. And, over the last decade, the budget has grown nearly four-fold. Importantly, in this budget, we have received a `531-crore special enhancement for the next five years,” said Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The funds will also be directed toward addressing health challenges such as anemia and cancers, research implementation, and pandemic preparedness. Strengthening the global ranking of Indian medical research institutes is also a key priority.

On digital health and AI, Dr Bahl stated that the department will support the development of new tools and databases essential for training AI-driven healthcare solutions.

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