Question

Explain ICMR.

Hint:

The ICMR-NIN dietary guidelines are updated periodically to reflect changing lifestyle patterns, providing customized nutritional recommendations for different age groups, genders, and activity levels across India.

Answer 1

Step 1: Expanding the Acronym and Defining the Role:
ICMR stands for the Indian Council of Medical Research. Headquartered in New Delhi, it is the apex national body in India responsible for formulating, coordinating, and promoting biomedical and health research. It is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world.

Step 2: Key Responsibilities and Functions:
The ICMR plays several vital roles in public health:

• Setting Nutritional Guidelines: Through its National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in Hyderabad, the ICMR publishes the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) and dietary guidelines for Indians, establishing national standards for healthy nutrient intake.
• Funding and Promoting Biomedical Research: It provides financial support for medical research across the country, focusing on addressing major infectious diseases (like TB and cholera) and chronic lifestyle disorders (like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases).
• Formulating Health Policies: It advises the Government of India on healthcare policies, vaccine strategies, and responses to public health crises.