TESTIMONIALS FROM FMR COLLATED FROM THEIR
NARRATIVE REPORT
The Foundation for Medical Research was established
in 1974 to work on major diseases that affected the
vulnerable sections of the Indian population,
notably infectious diseases. The initial thrust of
work was on leprosy, undoubtedly a medical problem
but also a great source of social stigma through its
unrelenting deformities. It was housed in a prime
location in Mumbai along the western sea shore at
Worli thanks to the purchase of the property through
funds from the PGF.
The early years of the Foundation's work in
establishing leprosy research programmes at the
Foundation were significantly facilitated by the
regular donations from PGF.
The early phase of this work at the Foundation
depended only moderately on external Project funding
and was largely undertaken by postgraduate and
doctoral students many of whom were supported
through PGF funds. Conscious dissemination of the
work at national and international levels was also
largely supported by PGF through the holding of
national Conferences and providing travel grants to
our students.
The FMR chose to diversify its research to another
major disease Tuberculosis, based on its experience
with leprosy and the shared characteristics of the
causative agents. Buoyed by its success in
securing project grants for TB work and the income
derived from self-help measures to enhance Core
funding for FMR, the PGF funding was directed in
the updating of equipment, strengthening of support
services, enhancement of academic networking and
support of seed studies focussed on drug resistant
TB. The support culminated in the definition of
prevalence of drug resistant TB at the community
level for the first time, challenging the figures
proclaimed by the Govt. of India.
The early years of the new century saw FMR deviate
from its focus of experimental lab based research
into public health research not only in leprosy and
TB but also in the field of nutrition for
vulnerable tribal areas and drinking water issues.
In this phase of FMRs diversification and evolution
too, it was the steadfast and constant support of
the PGF that continued to generate confidence and
strength and give wings to greater achievement. Its
funds helped specifically to support research staff
that were sorely needed but could not be supported
through external Project funds.
The medicinal plant work provided also a way to
retard anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in infectious
diseases. The theme of AMR was also investigated in
surveillance of rivers in and around Pune where
cassettes of AMR genes of microorganisms were
observed to be horizontally transferred to other
organisms in the water: an alarming feature for the
spread of AMR in the environment. The PGF funds were
instrumental in securing interdisciplinary linkages
with institutions in Delhi and Bengaluru for the
undertaking of this work.
Summary:
The PGF has been a constant supporter of FMRs work.
There is no project at FMR where PGF funds have not
been utilized as an adjunct.
The funds have helped in the critical area of
retention of researchers in between projects and
therefore sustain FMRs competencies and expertise.
The funds also supported researchers' salaries when
Project norms prevented payment of full salaries of
researchers.
The PGF funds have supported administrative and
supportive facilities including maintenance and
sometimes purchase of key equipment and the
maintenance of the FMR building.
The PGF funding has given confidence also to other
funders to support FMR Project areas
They have helped to develop and sustain academic
networks that have been so important in the
diversification and expansion of FMRs role in the
scientific landscape.
The PGF has given in a non-dictating manner and has
never tried to foist themes or priorities that the
Foundation has identified. This is in the best
traditions of a funding organization
Overall PGF has given the FMR the opportunity of
continuity and in making a mark on the scientific
landscape