Measuring What Matters: India's Draft National Health Research Policy (2026) puts patient outcomes over publication metrics

Authors

• Punnya V. Angadi, Professor, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, VK Institute of Dental Sciences, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belgaum 590010, Karnataka, IndiaFollow

Keywords

Draft National Health Research Policy, Patient outcomes, Publication metrics, Research evaluation, Publication, Biomedical research

Abstract

For years, success in Indian health research meant papers, citations, and patents. However, this rarely meant better outcomes for patients. India's Draft National Health Research Policy, 2026, proposes a fundamental shift in how research success is defined and attempts to close this gap. In this editorial, the main elements of the policy, such as proposing the ICMR Impact of Research and Innovation Scale (ICMR-IRIS), reformed research infrastructure, and a National Health Research Agenda shaped by real population needs rather than publishing convenience, are discussed. These components are placed in the context of a broader global shift towards responsible research evaluation. The policy's foundational philosophy is solid and perhaps long-awaited, but its true worth will depend on the realistic integration of multidimensional assessment into promotion, funding, and institutional decision-making processes. The policy raises an appropriate question, but it is yet to be determined whether India will respond to it in practice.

Recommended Citation

Angadi, Punnya V. (2026) "Measuring What Matters: India's Draft National Health Research Policy (2026) puts patient outcomes over publication metrics," Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU: Vol. 19: Iss. 2, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.71355/2542-6222.1738
Available at: https://kleijhsbr.researchcommons.org/journal/vol19/iss2/1

Pages

67

Last Page

69