Part2

Research Strategic Plan: Advancing Public Health through Innovation and Impact — Indian Institute of Public Health Bengaluru’s 5-Year Roadmap (2024–2029)

Drsathya1@gmail.com; sathya.tn@phfi.org;9535450999

1. Introduction

The Indian Institute of Public Health Bengaluru’s 5-year strategic plan (2024–2029) is a visionary roadmap that embraces cutting-edge research in pivotal areas. Digital Health Systems are set to transform healthcare delivery, leveraging technology for improved accessibility and data-driven decision-making. Smart Urban Health initiatives aim to address urban health challenges through innovative solutions and collaborations. The plan recognizes the impact of social determinants on NCDs/Maternal and Child Health, focusing on reducing disparities through evidence-based interventions. Tackling the intersection of Climate Change and Health, the institute aims to contribute to resilience-building efforts and policy advocacy. Disaster Management and Technology integration seek to equip professionals with advanced skills for effective disaster response and community resilience. Collectively, these initiatives align with the institute’s commitment to advancing public health through interdisciplinary research and innovative solutions. Our research pioneers personalized care/precision medicine, merging Ayurveda’s wisdom with allopathy’s rigor. Tailoring healthcare to individual needs, it optimizes efficacy, minimizes adverse effects, and fosters holistic well-being. This transformative approach enhances patient outcomes, redefining healthcare’s future by embracing the best of both worlds.

2. IIPH Bengaluru’s Five-Year Strategic Plan: Research Focus Areas (2024–2029)

2.1 Digital Health Systems

• Goal: Develop and evaluate data-driven digital health interventions to improve healthcare access, quality, and efficiency in diverse Indian communities. Our Digital Health Systems research theme embraces a pioneering approach, fusing big data analytics, cutting-edge device development, and pilot testing to revolutionize healthcare

Focus:

Leveraging big data:

· Epidemiological insights: Extract patterns from vast health datasets to predict outbreaks, tailor interventions, and personalize care.

· AI-powered diagnostics: Develop algorithms for early disease detection, risk assessment, and precision medicine. AI-powered diagnostics, decision support systems, and personalized health management tools.

· Smart device pilots: We develop and pilot test affordable, user-friendly devices for remote monitoring, early disease detection, and behavior change interventions in diverse settings.

· Population health monitoring: Analyze real-time data streams to track health trends, identify vulnerable populations, and inform policy decisions.

· Public health surveillance and outbreak response using digital technologies.

· Building digital health literacy and addressing ethical considerations.

By bridging the gap between data, devices, and real-world impact, we aim to:

· Reduce healthcare disparities and improve access for underserved communities.

· Develop evidence-based digital health interventions for chronic diseases and emerging threats.

· Empower individuals to manage their health proactively through personalized data-driven tools.

Impact: This fusion of big data, cutting-edge devices, and real-world piloting will empower India to leapfrog towards a data-driven, accessible, and personalized healthcare future.

2.2 Smart Urban Health

Goal: Design and implement smart city solutions to promote health and well-being in urban environments.

Focus:

Integrating health data with urban planning and infrastructure development.

Utilizing sensor networks and AI for environmental monitoring and disease prevention.

Promoting healthy lifestyles through smart mobility and green spaces initiatives.

Addressing urban health inequities and ensuring vulnerable populations are not left behind.

• Impact: Create healthier, more resilient cities with equitable access to health resources and improved quality of life.

2.3 Social Determinants’ Impact on NCDs and Maternal & Child Health

Goal: Understand and address the social, economic, and environmental factors impacting NCDs/maternal and child health in India.

Focus:

Conducting research on gender disparities, poverty, access to education and sanitation, and their impact on maternal and child health outcomes.

Developing interventions to empower women, improve access to healthcare services, and address social determinants of health.

Advocating for policy changes that promote gender equity and social justice for healthier mothers and children.

· Impact:

• Targeted interventions: Inform policy and program development to address the root causes of NCDs and improve maternal and child health outcomes across diverse populations.
• Advocacy for equity: Generate compelling evidence for social justice and equitable access to healthcare, promoting healthier and more resilient communities in India.
• Sustainable solutions: Build evidence-based solutions that empower communities and break the cycle of social determinants impacting health.
• Reduce maternal and child mortality, improve health outcomes for mothers and children, and promote social justice for vulnerable populations.

2.4 Climate Change -Health/ Disaster Management and Technology

Goal: Assess and mitigate the health impacts of climate change in India, focusing on vulnerable populations. Utilize technology to improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in India.

Focus:

-Researching the health risks associated with heat waves, air pollution, extreme weather events, and water scarcity.

— Developing adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable populations from climate-related health threats.

- Advocating for climate change mitigation policies that prioritize public health outcomes.

- Developing early warning systems and risk assessment models for natural disasters.

- Leveraging communication technologies for efficient disaster response coordination.

- Utilizing drones and remote sensing for damage assessment and resource allocation.

- Building community resilience through disaster preparedness education and technology access.

• Impact: Increase awareness of the health risks of climate change, develop evidence-based adaptation strategies, and contribute to policy responses that protect public health from the impacts of climate change. Reduce loss of life and property from disasters, improve disaster response effectiveness, and empower communities to become more resilient.

3. Advancing Research in Personalized Care through Precision Medicine: Integrating Ayush and Allopathy

The research focus area centers on the harmonious integration of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and Allopathy to advance personalized care through precision medicine. This innovative approach seeks to leverage the strengths of traditional and modern medical systems, tailoring healthcare interventions to individual characteristics, needs, and preferences. By amalgamating ancient wisdom with contemporary medical advancements, the research aims to optimize treatment efficacy, minimize adverse effects, and foster holistic well-being. This transformative paradigm shift holds promise for enhancing patient outcomes and redefining the future of healthcare by embracing the best of both worlds. Our research delves into the exciting frontier of personalized care/precision medicine, harnessing the wisdom of Ayurveda alongside the rigor of allopathy to tailor healthcare to individual needs.

Focus areas:

Genomics/gut microbiome and Ayurveda: Explore how Ayurvedic principles like Prakruti and Doshas can be mapped to individual genetic profiles, guiding personalized treatment plans.

Integrative therapeutics: Develop evidence-based protocols for combining Ayurvedic therapies like herbal medicines, yoga, and meditation with allopathic interventions for chronic diseases like diabetes and arthritis.

Advanced diagnostics: Utilize modern technology like biochips and AI to personalize diagnosis and predict response to treatment, leveraging both Ayurvedic and allopathic parameters.

Impact:

· Empowered patients: Individuals actively participate in their health journey with personalized plans addressing their unique needs and preferences.

· Enhanced efficacy: Combining the strengths of both systems can lead to more effective and holistic treatment approaches.

· Cost-effectiveness: Utilizing affordable and readily available Ayurvedic interventions can optimize healthcare resource allocation.

This research paves the way for a future where personalized care bridges the gap between traditional and modern medicine, offering a more holistic and effective approach to healthcare for all.

4. IIPH Bengaluru: Five-Year Research Strategic Framework (2024–2029)

Table:1-IIPH Bengaluru: Five-Year Research Strategic Framework (2024–2029)

5. Summary

By fostering a dynamic network of collaborators, IIPH Bengaluru will harness the collective power of research, innovation, and implementation to achieve its ambitious five-year goals. This network will drive transformative solutions to India’s most pressing health challenges, paving the way for a healthier, more resilient future for all.