The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) has accorded Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), New Delhi the status of a Scientific Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). The SIRO status entitles the hospital to receive research grants from various organizations including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and UNICEF. The hospital can also receive grants from industrial houses and other donors who will get income tax exemption on such donations.

Announcing this at a press conference, K J Sama, chairman, SGRH, informed that there are about 30 research projects that are being carried out in the hospital. Many of them are aided by international agencies like WHO, International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research, he said.

SGRH is a pioneer among the private sector hospitals in setting up such research oriented projects while maintaining the charitable nature of the hospital, he said.

SGRH also announced a genetic screening programme for early identification of mental retardation among infants.

SGRH had established a dedicated research Cell in November 2002 to facilitate research work undertaken by consultants and trainees. In this unit, computer-trained personnel are available to help researchers in deciding on the programs that would be suitable for analysis of their data, and in making proper entries of raw data for analysis.

Advice from an experienced biostatistician will be available at the time of planning the research project regarding the suitability and adequacy of data to be collected and methods of analysis.

A research committee comprising experienced researchers from the faculty advise the investigator on the planning, execution and writing of the project, as well as monitor the progress and provide suggestions on solving problems that may arise during the project.