- ICMR is India’s apex scientific body for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research.
- It was established in 1911 as Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) making it one of oldest and largest medical research bodies in the world.
- The ICMR functions under Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- It is headquartered in New Delhi.
- Its Governing Body is presided over by Health Minister.
- It is assisted in scientific and technical matters by Scientific Advisory Board comprising eminent experts in different biomedical disciplines.
- ICMR’s research priorities coincide with national health priorities such as control and management of communicable diseases, fertility control, maternal and child health, control of nutritional disorders, research on major non-communicable diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and mental health research and drug research (including traditional remedies) and developing alternative strategies for health care delivery.