The Performance Appraisal Board of ICMR in its recent report has recommended functional autonomy to this premier research body in order to have a new pattern of governance of health research. This new structure envisages a Commission on Health Research and a Department of Health Research within the Ministry of Health, under which ICMR would carry out the research functions of the Department.

The suggested structure is similar to some of the high profile scientific departments of the Government such as the Space and Atomic Energy which have already demonstrated their value over the years.

A significant impact of health research on human health development becomes possible when at least two per cent of the total health expenditure of the country is devoted to research. Recognizing that, the current expenditure on healthcare by the country falls far short and the Appraisal Board believes that the allocation to ICMR for the 11th Plan period (2007-2012) should be at least Rs 5000 crore.

The Board feels that it is essential to reorganize the management structure both at Headquarters and in the Institutes to overcome current inefficiencies. The management of the proposed Department of Medical Research and its functional arm, ICMR, should be responsive to and supportive of research and scientific demands. At the same time it should ensure firm control, be efficient and cost effective.

A clearly enunciated human resource development policy is essential to enable the ICMR to take its role to fruition. Several specific recommendations in this regard are made, with respect to staffing, salaries and retention.

The available human resources are inadequate to carry out the ICMR's new initiatives. The freeze on creation of new posts and recruitment should be immediately removed and the ICMR must be enabled to recruit up to 500 scientists in the next 5 years, linked to a clear development plan.

Modernization of the physical plant and infrastructure is necessary at most ICMR institutions and at Headquarters. An immediate one-time modernization grant of Rs 300 crore should be made available to ICMR for this purpose.

A medium term (5 year) and a long term (10 year) plan for health research should be developed for the entire country in consultation with all governmental agencies and others who provide funds for health research. A National Health Research Management Forum chaired by the Minister of Health, Secretary- DG ICMR together with the Secretaries of Health, DST, DBT, CSIR, AYUSH, Director General of Health Services, one representative each of private sector and industry, and not more than three eminent health scientists from the country should be established, to develop these plans and continue to encourage and monitor inter-agency coordination.

Develop medium and long-term strategic plans specifically for ICMR (consistent with the overall country plan) integrating the plans developed by each of the Institutes for intramural as well as extramural activities and, importantly, involve the public and private health care sector.

Further development of national and international research networks, including other national research agencies and academic institutions, is essential to maximize synergies, strengthen inter-agency coordination and develop efficient ways to improve the health research system, it says.