. NEW DELHI: In a shift aimed at making medical treatment more relevant to Indian patients, the Indian Council of Medical Research has called for large, multi-centre clinical trials to generate India-specific evidence for treating lifestyle and chronic diseases, instead of relying largely on data from Western countries.The move targets conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other non-communicable diseases that affect millions across the country. Health experts say therapies proven effective in Western populations do not always produce the same results in Indian patients because of differences in genetics, diet, climate, disease patterns and access to care.The need for such an approach is already evident in ongoing research. Dr Ambuj Rao, cardiologist at AIIMS Delhi, said India-specific clinical research is essential, pointing to a pan-India influenza vaccine trial in heart attack patients currently underway at AIIMS. He noted that evidence for such interventions cannot come from Western countries because India has a distinct flu season and different public health challenges.Under the initiative, networks of at least five hospitals will jointly evaluate treatments, medical procedures, digital tools and lifestyle interventions in real-world Indian settings. The aim is to identify therapies that are not only clinically effective but also affordable and workable within government hospitals and public health programmes. Officials said the findings will directly inform national treatment guidelines, with each selected study eligible for funding of up to Rs 8 crore over four years.Dr Ravinder Goswami from the endocrinology department at AIIMS Delhi said India’s tropical climate, repeated cycles of stress and poverty, and distinct dietary patterns have led to unique metabolic and hormonal adaptations in Indians, including insulin resistance, higher cortisol levels, central obesity and lower muscle mass. He said rapid lifestyle changes and the growing consumption of refined foods have worsened the burden of diabetes, hypertension, polycystic disorders and other metabolic diseases, which require culturally acceptable and India-specific treatment strategies. The ICMR’s call for well-planned studies, he added, offers a crucial opportunity to generate evidence for conditions unique to India, including certain metabolic disorders and cancers such as oral cancer.Beyond improving treatment protocols, the programme is also expected to strengthen India’s research capacity. Participating hospitals will be required to conduct trials independently, maintain standardised digital records and share data transparently, reducing dependence on pharmaceutical-driven global research.Public health experts say the initiative could have a direct impact on patients, as even small changes in treatment protocols, backed by Indian evidence, can improve outcomes and reduce out-of-pocket spending for families living with chronic disease. If successful, the effort could ensure that what doctors prescribe in India is guided by data generated from Indian patients, not assumptions imported from elsewhere.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSri Lanka Thanks India For Cyclone Relief, Hails PM Modi’s Leadership At ‘Thank You Bharat’ EventIndia, Canada Agree On Security And Law Enforcement Work Plan After NSA Doval’s Ottawa Visit‘Few Political Elements Trying To Distort’: Goyal Explains India-US Trade Deal, Slams Opposition‘India Has A Preference Over…’: Piyush Goyal On US Trade Deal, Trump’s ‘Russian Oil’ Claim‘Embarrassed Himself’: Gaurav Gogoi Slams Assam CM Himanta Sarma Over ‘Pakistan Links’ Allegation‘1.25 Crore Hindus In Bangladesh’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Issues Big Unity CallUkraine to Gaza: Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim hails PM Modi’s unwavering global peace pushGogoi’s wife Elizabeth worked for Pakistani agent Ali Tauqeer Sheikh: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma‘India’s Stand on Terrorism Is Clear’: PM Modi Speaks Firmly During Malaysia Visit”Strategic Ties And Trade Strengthened”: PM Modi Exchanges MoUs With Malaysian PM123PhotostoriesBest days to wash your hair according to the Hindu shastra and ancient tradition5 security upgrades that make your home more valuable12 Jyotirlingas in India: Legends and why they must be on your travel list6 stolen artworks still missing and the hunts that never endedWeekly Cosmic Messages From February 9 to February 15, 2026 According To Your Birth DateFrom Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt to Kiara Advani-Siddharth Malhotra: Bollywood stars who fell for their co-star and their journey8 practical ways to prevent damage during home renovationCute 3-letter baby names for your little one10 old-fashioned baby names making the cutest comeback5 Vastu-approved plants you should bring home today for prosperity123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingCooper Kupp WifeCardi BJames Pearce JrCoco JonesSuper Bowl PredictionsBad BunnyTom BradyRic FlairKayla NicoleNBA Trade Update
NEW DELHI: In a shift aimed at making medical treatment more relevant to Indian patients, the Indian Council of Medical Research has called for large, multi-centre clinical trials to generate India-specific evidence for treating lifestyle and chronic diseases, instead of relying largely on data from Western countries.The move targets conditions such as diabetes, heart disease,…