The two-days HealthCare Theme Conclave organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), concluded here today. This mega event was organized under CSIR’s One Week One Theme (OWOT) Campaign, aimed at creating awareness about the scientific and technological developments and innovations of CSIR in the HealthCare sector. The event brought together stakeholders such as Policy makers, MSMEs, Startups, Scientists, Technocrats, Industry leaders, Academicians, Researchers, Students from Universities, Colleges and Schools, as well as members of civil society. This initiative provided a platform for the startups to display their innovative products and helped to ignite the young minds with an entrepreneurial spirit.
The Conclave held from 16-17 November, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar was inaugurated yesterday by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Vice President of CSIR, who was the Chief Guest of the function. Satish Sharma, Cabinet Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and ARI & Trainings Departments, J&K was the Guest of Honour.
On the second day, Dr. G.N. Singh, Advisor to Chief Minister, UP & Ex-Drug Controller General (DCGI), in his keynote address said that despite the existence of guidelines and appropriate policy framework for phytopharmaceuticals, there have been very few applications filed for their approval. He praised the efforts of the present-day government in reigniting interest in the Indian Traditional Systems of Medicine, including Ayurveda, which is fueling research and development of plant-based drugs, with proper scientific validation and clinical trials. He informed the gathering that Jammu and Kashmir has a huge potential in this area due to its unique and rich biodiversity.
Earlier Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM introduced the institute and informed the gathering about various facets of research being carried out at the Institute, that includes drug discovery for diseases such as cancer, arthritis, infectious diseases, liver disorders. In his address, he discussed how this institute is supporting the farmers through the Aroma Mission and Floriculture Mission which have helped in generating livelihood as well as entrepreneurship development, with the help of Startup Incubators at CSIR-IIIM. He added that research in the institute has led to discovery and development of Saffron based phytopharmaceutical for Alzheimer’s disease and Cannabis based lead for relieving Cancer Pain. He also informed that CSIR-IIIM would soon begin clinical trials of single molecule modern drug for the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer, for which necessary permissions have already been obtained. He also informed the gathering how the idea and implementation of one week one theme (OWOT) will bring scientists and society together.
A panel discussion moderated by Rakhee Bakshee, Senior Journalist and Communication Strategist, was also held on the second day of the Conclave, wherein Policy Makers, Experts from Industries, Scientists from Research Institutions and Startups, deliberated on the Challenges and Opportunities in the integration of Traditional Medicine with Modern Medicine. The panelists discussed in detail how geo-climatically different locations are useful in harnessing the newer drugs through phytopharmaceutical mode. Later, the startups which showcased their innovations in HealthCare and Agri-Products, during the exhibition at the Conclave, were felicitated. These startups included M/S Chenab Valley Zaitoon Tel, M/S Herbal Aura, M/S Sahil Apiaries and Beehive, Jagriti Products, Adoptive Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Alpha Environmental System, M/S Vipan Sons, M/S GauriCo., M/S Valley Agro Impex, M/S Al-Kareem Souq Pvt. Ltd., M/S Alriziq Foods LLP, M/S Cashmir Biotech Pvt. Ltd., M/S Shirin Aromatics - Rû Posh, M/S Zayaan Organics, M/S Hapico Industries Private Limited, Himalayan Products, Khorasan Hi-Tech Food Processing Industry, Gulmarg Mushroom Farm, Azmat the Brand, United Floritech, Zeeba Biotech, Pherobank Technologies, Noonley Green Food Innovation Pvt. Ltd., Aazin Formulations (Astraaz), Cashmir Carbozone Pvt. Limited, Flora Garden Tech Achabal, and Himalayan Herbs by Zamrud Futuristic.
The conclave was organized under the patronage of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, under the overall supervision of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, assisted by his team including Er Abdul Rahim, Sh. Vikram Singh, HoDs, scientists, technical staff and students.