Centre Prepares National Policy Framework to Tackle Emerging Healthcare Challenges

Summary:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed a draft National Health Research Policy that introduces the National Health Research Agenda (NHRA) as a unified framework to coordinate health research across India. Aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the policy aims to promote indigenous health technologies, generate India-specific research, and improve preparedness for future health challenges. It also seeks to reduce administrative and regulatory barriers, encourage shared use of publicly funded research infrastructure, increase investment through public and private participation, and allow States to strengthen research coordination using existing institutions wherever possible. 

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has released a draft National Health Research Policy that proposes establishing the National Health Research Agenda (NHRA) as the country’s primary framework for guiding health research. The policy seeks to transform India’s research landscape from a fragmented system into a coordinated, outcome-focused ecosystem capable of addressing national healthcare priorities.

Aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the proposed agenda aims to promote the development of indigenous health technologies, generate research tailored to India’s specific healthcare needs, and strengthen preparedness for future health emergencies. The Department of Health Research will act as the nodal agency responsible for developing, coordinating, publishing, and periodically updating the agenda under the supervision of the National Health Research Stewardship Committee.

According to the draft, the NHRA will provide a common reference framework for scientific departments, research institutions, States, and Union Territories while allowing them to define their own priorities based on regional health challenges, disease burden, healthcare infrastructure, institutional capabilities, and long-term national objectives.

The proposed policy also seeks to minimise administrative, financial, and regulatory hurdles that often delay research projects. It recognises publicly funded research infrastructure as a shared national resource to encourage broader institutional access. Additionally, it calls for increased investment in health research through greater government support alongside participation from private and philanthropic organisations.

The draft further states that States may strengthen their health research coordination mechanisms in phases based on their institutional preparedness. Those already operating health research councils or equivalent bodies will be able to use existing institutions instead of establishing new ones.