The National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) are preparing a new framework to integrate clinical research more closely into MBBS and postgraduate medical education in India, according to a TOI report. The initiative aims to strengthen research culture in medical colleges and improve evidence-based healthcare practices.
Under the proposed framework, medical students may receive structured training in clinical research, ethics, scientific writing, clinical trials and research methodology as part of their regular curriculum. Authorities are also exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence in medical research for data analysis, predictive modelling, evidence generation and research support, while ensuring ethical and regulatory safeguards.
NMC Chairperson Dr. Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth confirmed that a joint expert committee formed by NMC and ICMR is drafting the proposal. The framework may also introduce post-doctoral PhD programmes in medical colleges to promote advanced research.
Officials said the initiative seeks to integrate research with patient care so that findings can be translated into practical healthcare solutions tailored for India. The proposal also focuses on improving thesis quality, publication standards, scientific writing and institutional research repositories.
The broader objective is to create a research-oriented ecosystem in medical institutions by combining clinical medicine, ethics, innovation, and emerging technologies. Officials clarified that the proposal is currently under discussion and details are still being finalised.