ICMR High-Altitude Research Centre Launched in Lahaul-Spiti, Ravi Thakur Thanks Centre.
Shimla:
Lahaul-Spiti district has received a significant boost in healthcare research with the groundbreaking and foundation stone-laying ceremony of the ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research (ICMR-CHAMP) in Keylong on Monday. The ceremony was held in the presence of Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.
Former MLA Ravi Thakur attended the event and welcomed the establishment of the research centre, describing it as an important initiative for the high-altitude and tribal regions of Himachal Pradesh.
The programme was attended by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut, former minister Govind Singh Thakur, senior officials of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and BJP leaders and workers.
Speaking on the occasion, Ravi Thakur said the establishment of the centre in Lahaul-Spiti would provide a significant impetus to research into health challenges specific to high-altitude regions. He expressed hope that the institution would contribute to a better understanding of medical conditions and public health concerns affecting people living in the Himalayan region.
He said the initiative could benefit local residents, tribal communities, security personnel deployed in border areas and tourists visiting the region. Research conducted at the centre could help address the distinctive healthcare requirements of people living and working in extreme climatic and geographical conditions.
Thakur also highlighted the potential of the project to create employment opportunities locally while strengthening medical research infrastructure in the region.
Expressing gratitude to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and the Central Government for bringing the project to Lahaul-Spiti, the former MLA said the initiative could prove valuable for the district and neighbouring tribal areas in the coming years.
He added that the centre would help advance scientific research into high-altitude medicine and public health, supporting efforts to develop a better understanding of healthcare needs in the Himalayan region.
The project marks an important step towards strengthening research infrastructure and addressing the unique health challenges faced by communities in high-altitude areas.
