Srinagar: The two-day HealthCare Theme Conclave, organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), concluded today at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The event, part of CSIR’s One Week One Theme (OWOT) campaign, focused on innovations in healthcare, particularly in phytopharmaceuticals, traditional medicine, and health-related startups.
The conclave was inaugurated on November 16 by Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, and Vice President of CSIR, with Satish Sharma, Cabinet Minister in Jammu & Kashmir, as the Guest of Honour. On the second day, Dr. G.N. Singh, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and former Drug Controller General of India, delivered a keynote address. He emphasized the potential of phytopharmaceuticals and praised the government’s efforts to revive interest in traditional medicine like Ayurveda, with a focus on scientific validation and clinical trials. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), spoke about the institute’s ongoing research into drug discovery for diseases like cancer, arthritis, and liver disorders. He also discussed the institute’s support for local farmers through initiatives like the Aroma Mission and Floriculture Mission, which have created opportunities for entrepreneurship in the region. A panel discussion on integrating traditional and modern medicine featured experts from research institutions, industry, and startups. During the conclave, a number of startups were recognized for their innovative products in healthcare and agri-tech. Some of the startups showcased at the event included Chenab Valley Zaitoon Tel, Herbal Aura, Adoptive Biotech Pvt. Ltd., and Alpha Environmental Systems. These startups were felicitated for their contributions to the healthcare and agriculture sectors. The conclave was organized under the patronage of CSIR and led by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed and his team at CSIR-IIIM. The event concluded with renewed commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation in healthcare, focusing on both traditional knowledge and modern medical technologies.
