India assisted high altitude Bio-medical Research Centre opens in Bishkek:
Signing a meaningful milestone in the agreement between the two countries, the Kyrgyz President Ms Roza Otunbaeva and the Defence Minister A K Antony introduced the Kyrgyz-Indian Mountain Biomedical Research Centre (KIMBMRC) at the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.
The Centre will study the mechanism of short term and long term high altitude adaptation. It will also gather and synchronize the expertise of the two countries in the area of high altitude research. The scientists will concentrate on molecular biology methods to identify labels for a screening of people for high altitude resistance and sensitivity to high altitude infirmity and development of mountain maladies. The benefits of these studies will apply to a large population across the globe, as more and more people travel to the mountains every year. India’s contribution to the project is Rs 6 Crores.
A large number of dignitaries including the Kyrgyz Minister of Health Dr Sabyrbek Jumabekov, the First Deputy Defence Minister Mr Zamir Suerkulov, the First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Nurlan Aitmuarzaev, Indian ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Mr P Stobdan Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister Dr V K Saraswat, Special Secretary R K Mathur, Secretary of Defence Finance Ms Vijay Lakshmi Gupta and Chief Controller of Research and Development Dr William Selvamurthy were present on the occasion to affirm the historic moment.
The program to have a collaboration in the area of mountain medicine and build a Centre was mooted during the visit and discussions held between the Kyrgyz President Mr A Akaev and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in November 2003. ‘The realization of that shared vision has finally culminated in the establishment of this Centre. The joint endeavour of our scientists will provide a platform to utilize the expertise of both the institutes in a holistic manner to evaluate, as well as improve the performance and enhance the process of acclimatization at high altitudes using psychological, biochemical and molecular research tools’, Antony said.
The Kyrgyz President Dr Roza Otunbaeva appreciated the Government of India for catching the initiative for arranging this world-class institute in Bishkek. She said 10% of the GDP in Kyrgyzstan is generated by the people living in high altitudes. The fruits of the research of the scientists of this institute will assist in improving the life and health of people residing in high altitude areas, she said.
The Centre has a field station at Tuya Ashu, located at the height of 3200 metres. Prof Akpay Sarybaev, a leading cardiologist and expert in mountain medicine, is nominated as the Director of KIMBMRC.
A team of scientists including physiologists, biochemists and molecular biologists, commanded by the Director of Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Dr Shashi Bala Singh along with 20 Indian Army soldiers are deputed to KIMBMRC, Bishkek and Tuya Ashu to carry out studies on high altitude acclimatization with particular reference to molecular mechanism of human performance promotion and amelioration of maladies in mountain operations. The team will stay for about six weeks.
Kyrgyz-Indian Biomedical Research Center completes second stage of work:
Kyrgyzstan and India considered the achievement of the second phase of work of the laboratory at Suek pass and testing in November and December 2016. This is stated in a joint statement of the countries on partnership, solidarity and the development of multifaceted assistance.
Official Delhi adored the support of Bishkek, provided by the Kyrgyz-Indian Mountain Biomedical Research Center. Both countries granted to maintain scientific work and to expand the scope of research.
“President Almazbek Atambayev highly appreciated the assistance of the Indian side in the creation of a telemedicine network in Kyrgyzstan and its development in the country’s regions. The sides showed satisfaction with the interaction in the sphere of health care, noted the close relationship between private hospitals, including regular visits of doctors from private hospitals of India to Kyrgyzstan,” the statement said.
It is perceived that Kyrgyzstan remains a popular destination for Indian students getting medical education.
The joint declaration was adopted after the talks between the President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev and the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.
PM Modi visits Kyrgyz-India Mountain Biomedical Research Centre, inaugurates first telemedicine link between India and Central Asia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday encouraged the Kyrgyz-India Mountain Biomedical Research Centre (KIMBMRC) in Bishkek.
He was notified by scientists on the projects at the Centre.
Modi electronically revealed a plaque honouring the introduction of the extremely high altitude test laboratory — Phase 2 of the KIMBMRC project — located in the Syok Pass at an altitude of 4,000 metres. The laboratory will be built later this year, said an official statement.
Modi interacted with Indian and Kyrgyz soldiers at the Too Ashu laboratory which is part of the ongoing Phase 1 of the project.
Modi stated the research done at the Centre would greatly help the health of soldiers who guard the borders at high altitude.
He also introduced the first telemedicine link between India and Central Asia. He beheld a teleconsultation for a cardiac patient between doctors in Osh city in southern Kyrgyzstan, with doctors in Bishkek and with the Apollo hospital and AIIMS in Delhi said the statement.
