In conversations with doctors across India, one sentence comes up surprisingly often: “Our research is far behind.”
India trains thousands of doctors every year and runs one of the world’s largest healthcare systems. Yet when it comes to medical research, many doctors quietly feel that we are not where we should be.
Some of the reasons may lie in infrastructure and funding. But in discussions with doctors, faculty members, and journal editors, a few other themes appear repeatedly—some structural, and some cultural.
Research Is Not Central to Medical Training
Many clinicians feel that research still occupies a relatively small space in medical training.
Medical students spend about 4-5 years mastering clinical knowledge and preparing for examinations. The first formal exposure to research methods, scientific writing, and critical appraisal often happens in their Postgraduate years. But, at that time, they are so bogged down with ward/patient responsibilities (and the inevitable exams) that the thesis is most often a “tick mark” / a “to-do”. I also hear that it is often outsourced!
The ICMR-STS program that lures many UG students to get their first attempt at researching. But – this applies only to a few who are selected. The rest – a larger denominator do not get this exposure
One simple step that could help is teaching literature searching early in medical education. When students learn how to search databases such as PubMed and find relevant articles, curiosity often follows. Students begin reading papers that interest them, slowly understanding how research questions are framed, how studies are designed, and how evidence evolves.
Even informal exposure to research papers can build a mindset of inquiry.
The Problem of Time
Another challenge frequently mentioned is the lack of protected time for research. Doctors in India often balance heavy patient loads, teaching responsibilities, and administrative duties. Research and writing therefore get pushed into late evenings or weekends.
In contrast, many institutions in developed countries provide dedicated research time for clinicians, allowing them to conduct studies alongside clinical work.
The Invisible Work of Medical Journals
Medical journals illustrate another part of the ecosystem that often goes unnoticed.
In India, editorial teams of many journals work largely on a voluntary basis. Editors and reviewers frequently handle manuscripts, peer review, and publication processes alongside their regular clinical or academic roles.
In several international settings, however, editors may receive institutional support or even sabbaticals dedicated to editorial work, allowing them to focus on improving journal quality and mentoring authors.
Are We Encouraging Questions?
Some observers believe the issue begins even earlier—with how we respond to questions. Years ago, when Dr Vivek Saoji – was the Principal of the Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, he shared this interesting reflection during a post workshop conversation.
“When children in India ask questions, we often shush them up.”
He noted that in schools and colleges, questioning is not always encouraged. In his institution, which hosted a number of international students, he noticed that many foreign students were trained (in their home countries) to ask questions freely. Some faculty members initially found this unfamiliar, but questioning lies at the heart of research.
After all, research begins with curiosity.
A Small Exercise That Says a Lot
At a research methodology workshop, Dr Sundeep Salvi shared a story that stayed with me. One day his children and their friends were making quite a bit of noise at his home. On impulse, he picked up a pen and asked each child to write down ten questions about the pen.
He told the audience – “The way the children came up with questions was fascinating! Some of them were questions I would not have thought of. After this incident, this game became a regular at my home”
He then told participants- “Try this with children. Encourage them to ask questions. You will turn them into thinking individuals. And that is one way to improve research.”
Looking at the Bigger Picture
For long we have only been talking of poor numbers / quality of research and publications. At the same time, there are encouraging signs. Indian scientists and institutions increasingly collaborate internationally, and many researchers from India appear in global rankings of influential scientists.
But building a strong research culture requires more than numbers. Encouraging curiosity, teaching literature searching early, providing protected research time, and supporting journals and editors may all play a role.In the end, improving research capacity may require policy changes and institutional support.
But perhaps it also requires something simpler: encouraging people to ask questions.
Your Thoughts?
What do you think could help strengthen medical research in India? If you are a doctor, researcher, teacher, editor, or student, we would love to hear your ideas and experiences.
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