Director’s desk
The Centre has focused its activities in areas of research in both communicable and non-communicable diseases, human resource development programme and in establishing strong linkage with State Health Department in finding solutions to the regional health problem. Besides basic and applied research, translational research has been taken up in operational mode. Communicable research programme includes studies on lymphatic filariasis, malarial, diarrhoeal disorder, tuberculosis and diseases of viral origin. Non communicable diseases include nutrition, sickle cell disease, hypertension and diabetes.
Besides establishing the field units at Rayagada and Kalahandi in collaboration with Govt. of Odisha, the Centre has established new Bio-informatics Cell with support from Council. Research on Diabetes and hypertension are new dimension of diseases added to research area this year. Activities to be undertaken at Rayagada and Kalahandi address on improving health parameters of diseases with public health importance. Preparedness and prevention of diarrhoeal disorder, malaria, control of IMR, MMR, reduction childhood morbidity and mortality, burden of tuberculosis and augmenting RNTCP through strategy development in two field units like improving nutrition in under 5 areas are the key elements of activities initiated in the said units. Transfer of Technology, training and capacity building are included to ascertain sustainability of the programme.
During the period, 24 scientific projects were undertaken by this Centre of which 17 are extramural in nature, funded by ICMR Task Force, DST, DBT, NVBDCP or Gates Foundation. Of these, 19 are on-going including three translational and 8 studies got completed.
During the year 2012-13, till date 25 papers are published with average impact factor of 2.46. All publications are indexed, published mostly in reputed International Journals.
The Center’s library subscribes 53 print journals (Foreign & Indian) for the year 2013 along with online subscription of JCCC@ICMR through ICMR consortia and ICMR E- Journal Consortia. The Institute is connected with 100 MBPS NKN Leased lines which is operational round the clock for networking. The Centre’s library is Wi-Fi enabled. This year the Centre’s library has started a Daily Article Service to all ICMR scientists through mail which provided full text of a current research article on a specific research topic on all working days.
The Centre has generated 10.20 crore through sponsored research in year 2012 & 13. Human resource activity focused on imparting training to M.Sc students sponsored from various reputed Universities in the State and outside to complete their 6 month dissertation work. During 2013, 31 students completed their course work. Pre-Ph.D course has been introduced this year under Utkal University. University sponsored 17 students are regularly attending classes at this Centre from June to December 2013. Ph.D scholars sponsored from UGC and ICMR under fellowship as JRF/SRF altogether 12 candidates are continuing Ph.D programme on date. Ph.D were awarded to 8 Ph.D students during 12-13. Ph.D thesis submitted by 5 students working under the scientists of the Centre as guide. One Postdoctoral fellow (ICMR) is also working in this Centre. Training was imparted to around 50 staff engaged by Registrar General of India on blood test (Hb%) and anthropometry for use in field to estimate national data on anaemia. State Govt. staff were trained on entomological attributes that can help identification and estimation of infection to assist vector control in malaria. At Kalahandi and Rayagada field units, technology transfer on ELISA and PCR for diagnosis of dengue and culture to diagnose diarrhoeal disorder has been completed and regularly monitored.
The Centre has established linkages with other ICMR and non-ICMJR institution like State Govt. of Odisha, NVBDCP, Delhi, RGI, Gates Foundation, DBT, AIIMS, Delhi, IVI, DST in upgrading the expertise, sharing scientific information and collaborative research programme. Training on vaccinology was undertaken by our scientist at International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Korea, SGPGI, Lucknow and other reputed institutes. Scientists were deputed outside to present their scientific output in International forum like ASTMH Conference held at Atlanta, USA in Nov. 2012. Collabor5ation with State Health Department was strengthened in form of consultancy, undertaking evaluation of health programme, referral diagnostic services, epidemic investigations and disaster management.
With total staff strength of 103 at present 90 are in position and all vacant positions are in active process being filled up shortly after the selection is over. Out of sanctioned strength of 19 scientists, only 15 scientists are in position.
The Centre has organized several workshops, seminars and meetings including animal and human ethical committee, two Pre-SAC reviews and SAC meeting.
During the year several developmental activities were undertaken by the Centre. The laboratories were upgraded to modular lab to facilitate; more working space to accommodate expansion in research areas and more students. Both field units were furnished with furniture and equipment to make it an advanced lab facility. OPD was constructed through CPWD. Renovation of staff quarters and institute premises, horticulture, guest house and hostel facilities carried out with support from ICMR. Foundation stone of BSL3 facility was laid down by Secretary DHR and DG, ICMR that was processed for construction during the year. Construction for separate administrative building adjacent to the main lab building and training facility for Ph.D scholars, M.Sc students were processed for construction during the period. Bio-informatics Cell was modernized with equipment and other required gadgets.
Several cultural functions and Annual Function of the Centre was organized as a Staff Welfare activity. For the staff, gymnasium facility has been provided besides, playground and canteen facility were processed for construction. I sincerely thank scientists and staff for their endeavor and contributions. I am also thankful to the State Health Department and other agencies, collaborating Institutes and experts of SAC, ethical and other technical committees for their assistance, support and co-operation. I extend my deep gratitude to DG, ICMR and Council for their continuous support, guidance and encouragement. With all round support, the Centre can continue its endeavor to achieve its goal.
Dr.( Mrs.) Sanghamitra Pati
MD & MPH, Director