Medical Research in India Gets a Major Boost with New NMC & ICMR PhD Programs
India is preparing itself for a major breakthrough in homegrown medical innovation. The National Medicine Commission (NMC) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) are planning to launch new PhD programs aiming to make the Indian medical research system stronger. This announcement was made by the chairman of NMC, Dr Abhijat Sheth, at the convocation ceremony of Bhaikaka University in Anand, Gujarat. This decision gives a major hope for medical graduates to enhance their careers.
A Strong Career for Homegrown Innovation
The upcoming PhD programs will be encouraging research in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and the healthcare sector. A large part of India’s medical technology is imported, but after this initiative, it will help reduce the reliance on foreign products for smarter patient care.
Dr Sheth also added that the program will help train professionals to solve the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. He quoted “We want to promote a culture of innovative healthcare solutions” emphasizing the need for a research-driven modern medicine system.
Expanding the Capacity Of Medical Education
India’s medical system is also growing rapidly, along with the research-focused programs
- 18,000 new medical seats have been approved
- The capacity for faculty positions has increased to provide high-quality education.
- The government plans to add 75,000 new medical seats in the next five years
In October 2025, the NMC approved 10,650 seats for MBBS and 41 new medical colleges, giving more importance to medical education. This provides more opportunities for students interested in medical and healthcare innovation.
Dr Sheth also highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare, self-care practices, and modern training modules like ATCOM (Attitude, Ethics, and Communication), which aim to prepare medical professionals for real-world challenges and research-driven problem-solving. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic remain a key factor in shaping India’s healthcare training reforms.
India’s Growing Role in Global Medical Research
The NMC-ICMR initiative comes as India’s presence in global health research continues to rise. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health, speaking at the DHR-ICMR Health Research Excellence Summit in November 2025, said that India is showing rapid growth in the MedTech and biomedical innovation sectors.
Initiatives such as MedTech Mitra, the development of vaccines like Rotavac, and India’s quick COVID-19 vaccine rollout show the country’s ability to innovate and bring out solutions, demonstrating the results of sustained medical research efforts.
Dr VK Paul, a member of NITI Aayog, said that India is aiming to increase the healthy life expectancy from 60 years to 75 years with innovative ideas and medical research playing a major role in achieving this initiative.
Opportunities for Students and Young Professionals
The new PhD programs open exciting paths for:
- Medical graduates who are seeking a career in medical research
- Clinicians who are interested in contributing to drug or medical device development
- Young innovators creating healthcare solutions for India’s unique challenges
- Scientists who aim to work in public health and biomedical research
By combining high-quality medical education and research-focused programs, India is creating a pathway for young professionals who are capable of developing homegrown solutions and strengthening healthcare systems.
