The Union Cabinet of the Government of India has recently given its approval for the merger of the National Institute of Miners Health (NIMH) and the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Occupational Health (ICMR-NIOH). This decision was made in accordance with a recommendation from the Expenditure Management Commission, which was founded by the Government of India to appraise the functionality and performance of autonomous institutions. They recommended this amalgamation after identifying overlapping aims between the organizations.
Background of the Merger
The proposition for merging the NIMH with the ICMR-NIOH came from the Expenditure Management Commission. The Commission is tasked with reviewing the operations and achievements of independent institutes, and in this case, recognized similar goals between the two organizations.
Projected Impact of the Merger
The merger of these two health institutes aims to bolster expertise in the field of occupational health. Additionally, it is expected to make the management of public resources more efficient, thereby enhancing overall productivity and effectiveness.
About National Institute of Miners Health
Established by the Government of India in 1990, the NIMH is registered as a Society under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960. It is an autonomous institute functioning under the Ministry of Mines and is situated at Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka, with a central laboratory located in Nagpur. The NIMH is known for conducting applied research in occupational health and hygiene and is particularly adept at providing technical support services to the mining and mineral-based industries. It boasts state-of-the-art infrastructural facilities and proficiency in conducting various surveys specific to the mining industry.
| NIMH Specializations |
|---|
| Airborne Respirable Dust Surveys |
| Heat Stress Monitoring |
| Mapping of Vibrations and Noise |
| Illumination Audits |
| Ergonomic Assessments |
| Routine & Specialised Health Surveillance |
About National Institute of Occupational Health
The National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) was initially established as the Occupational Health Research Institute (OHRI) in 1966 at Ahmedabad. It was later renamed as the NIOH in 1970 and functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The NIOH’s main objective lies in assisting national policy makers with the development of appropriate policies in the field of occupational health, which includes occupational medicine and hygiene. The institute maintains regional offices in Kolkata and Bangalore.
Source: PIB
