Interview/ Dr Sapna Nangia, director, head, neck and breast, and senior consultant, radiation oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre
Q/ How is research funding managed in India, and what challenges do institutions face?
A/ Research funding remains a sensitive and complex issue. Many of us who genuinely want to pursue research often hold back because we lack strong platforms and structured support. On the government side, grants from bodies like the Indian Council of Medical Research exist, but they are limited and highly competitive. In the private sector, we frequently have to explore unorthodox methods to secure resources, which is very different from how systems in the US operate. One possible solution is to channelise funds from abroad and use them to plug the gaps here. I must admit... we still have a long way to go. India is significantly behind global standards.
Q/ How can India strengthen its research culture, and what role can institutions and philanthropy play?
A/ Two decades ago, patient advocacy focused mainly on humane treatment, but today it must extend to research, innovation and long-term scientific advancement. We need sustained dialogue on how philanthropy can be channelised to support serious research. Hospital CEOs have traditionally focused on clinical outcomes, but we now need parallel mechanisms dedicated to research funding and academic growth. We are seeing remarkable work coming from younger colleagues, even from smaller cities and peripheral centres. Research publications from India, especially in oncology, have increased significantly. On a positive note, this momentum suggests that with better support and funding, we will soon begin to close the gap.