The Union government on December 16 said that gender bias in medical research and clinical trials has been recognised globally. It includes variations
in how diseases present and respond to treatment among women. These differences are particularly evident in conditions such as heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain. In a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav said that scientific literature clearly recognises sex- and gender-related factors in biomedical research, and that ethical frameworks mandate the avoidance of exclusion or unjustified bias based on sex or gender. He said that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) adheres to its Biomedical Ethics Guidelines (2017), which stress fairness in the selection of research participants and equitable protection of all subjects. Research funded by the ICMR covers a wide range of biomedical and public health areas, including women’s health conditions, with funding decisions based on scientific merit and national health priorities. It was highlighted that the ICMR’s overall research funding has increased significantly in the last five years. It rose from Rs 2,358 crore in 2021–22 to Rs 3,125.50 crore in 2025–26. Even though there is no separate allocation exclusively earmarked for female health, several projects related to women’s health issues are supported through both extramural and intramural research programmes. Also Read: Centre Clears 10,023 New Medical Seats, Boosting MBBS and PG Intake
Talking about the role of ICMR’s National Institute of Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH) in Mumbai, the Minister said that it focuses on improving reproductive and child health outcomes for women. The institute has spent Rs 304.35 crore over the last five years.
The Department of Health Research also runs a Women Scientist Programme under its Human Resource Development for Health Research scheme to support women scientists returning to biomedical research after career breaks. Since 2021–22, fellowships worth Rs 50.43 crore have been awarded, benefiting 215 women scientists.
The Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology has funded women’s health research by Rs 50.5 crore over the past five years. Talking about the steps taken to ensure adequate female representation in research, the minister said that ICMR’s National Ethical Guidelines mandate fair and scientifically justified selection of participants. Ethics committees will have to scrutinise study protocols to prevent unjustified exclusion and ensure appropriate safeguards.
