Established in 1911, when the Government of India set up the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) with the specific objective of sponsoring and coordinating medical research in the country. In 1949, it was re-designated the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with considerably expanded scope of its functions.

The council performs research on and control and management of communicable diseases, fertility, maternal and child health, nutritional disorders, health care delivery (including the development of alternative strategies), environmental and occupational health problems; major non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, blindness, diabetes and other metabolic and hematological disorders; mental health; and drugs (including traditional remedies).

The council also promotes biomedical research through intramural and extramural research. Much of the intramural research is carried out by the council's Permanent Research Institute and Centers. Extramural research is carried out by the establishment of centers for advanced research, task forces, and through open-ended research.

Sources: Indian Council of Medical Research, www.icmr.nic.in.