Kelong, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, laid the foundation stone for the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research Center in Kelong on October 12. This initiative aims to establish a robust institutional framework for health research and enhance scientific understanding of the health challenges faced by residents in the Himalayan region.
During the event, Nadda emphasized the importance of dedicated scientific research to comprehend the impacts of low oxygen levels, extreme cold, changing weather patterns, and the unique lifestyles of tribal communities on health. He highlighted the necessity of systematically studying the challenges in these areas to identify health risks, implement appropriate measures, and strengthen preventive healthcare.
Referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of enhancing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring access to quality healthcare, Nadda noted that the establishment of this center underscores the commitment to addressing the specific healthcare needs of people living in remote Himalayan and border areas.
He stressed that research-based solutions could improve health outcomes and support the welfare of local communities and armed forces personnel operating in these challenging conditions. Nadda praised the collaboration between ICMR and the Armed Forces Medical Services in establishing the center.
He also acknowledged the contribution of AIIMS Bilaspur, which will participate in studying the health impacts of high-altitude conditions on patients in the region. This partnership aims to combine scientific expertise with clinical experience to deepen the understanding of health challenges in high-altitude areas and promote evidence-based healthcare solutions.
Highlighting the long-term significance of this initiative, Nadda stated that the center would contribute to improving healthcare for tribal communities and armed forces personnel stationed in elevated terrains.
As the chief guest, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth underscored the importance of this collaboration in establishing the High Altitude Research Center in Lahaul-Spiti. He expressed confidence that the combined research efforts would deepen scientific understanding of health challenges associated with high altitudes and aid in developing effective medical solutions.
Seth emphasized the value of merging ICMR’s scientific research capabilities with the practical experiences of the Armed Forces Medical Services to address health challenges in high-altitude conditions. The research conducted at this center is expected to improve understanding of how altitude affects the human body, benefiting both armed forces personnel and local communities in the high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh.
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