The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will soon begin focused research on management of arsenic related diseases which has been a major health issue in the country.

The initiative in this regard by the premier research organisation in the country is significant as the arsenic related diseases have been a major health issue in the country for quite some time now. Prolonged uses of arsenic contaminated water for drinking causes several diseases. Water contaminated with high levels of arsenic can cause arsenicosis. High arsenic in ground water is found in small pockets of many states like Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal (WB).

Senior officials in the ICMR said that as of now there is no specific treatment for arsenic related diseases. Recently the Parliamentary Estimate Committee took cognizance of this mammoth problem and reviewed the activities of various ministries included in the remediation of this problem. During the review process, ICMR has been directed to explore medical cure for arsenic related diseases.

In order to discuss the various issues regarding “Focused research on management of arsenic related diseases”, a Task Force Group had been constituted by ICMR which has highlighted few areas for taking up research to improve the health and management of arsenic affected people.

Now, the ICMR has invited concept proposals from eligible scientists in the specific research topic pertaining to trials of 10 per cent versus 20 per cent salicylic acid creams and retinoid (tretinoin 0.05 per cent- 0.1 per cent cream) for keratosis; trials of 5FU versus 5  per cent imiquimod cream for Bowen’s disease; and benefits of antioxidants (carotinoid, vitamin C and vitamin E) folic acid and protein supplementations.