Odisha Govt Initiates ‘Research Fund’ to Boost Medical Education and Research

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to elevate the standard of medical education and research in the state, the Odisha Government has announced the introduction of a ‘Research Fund’ for government medical colleges and hospitals, as well as postgraduate institutes. This initiative aims to provide financial support to institutions for research-related activities, fostering a culture of research and innovation among faculties and students.

According to the Health & Family Welfare Department, the ‘Research Fund’ will be allocated to the Dean & Principals / Directors of all Government Medical / Dental College and Hospitals and Post Graduate Institutes in the state. The allocated funds will cover expenses incurred for intramural projects, research publications, and participation in conferences and seminars within the country.

Key Highlights of the Scheme:

Financial Allocation: SCB MCH, Cuttack, MKCG MCH, Berhampur, and VIMSAR, Burla will receive a total Research fund amounting to Rs.1 crore each per annum. New Government Medical Colleges and SCB Dental College, Cuttack, will be provided with a total Research fund amounting to Rs.50 lakh each per annum. PG Institutes will receive Rs 25 lakh each per annum.

Scope of Utilization: The funds can be utilized for various research-related activities, including meeting expenses incurred for research, research publications, and participation in conferences/seminars within the country.

Eligibility: Faculty members in regular government service in the state can apply for research assistance. Each principal investigator is eligible for assistance once per year, with the possibility of applying for another project after completing the first.

Expense Coverage: The fund covers expenses such as travel (flights, trains, buses, or car rentals), registration fees for conferences/seminars, accommodation, meals, consumables, digitization of data, and publication charges in approved journals.

Ethical Requirements: Ethical clearance certificates from institutional ethics committees and/or legally authorized committees are mandatory for all research projects. For clinical trials/drug trials, a permission letter from the appropriate authority must be obtained.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting research excellence in the medical field, encouraging faculties and students to actively engage in impactful research that contributes to advancements in healthcare and medical knowledge.