NLR India organized the first meeting (virtual) of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC), NLR India on 16th July 2024. The purpose of the RAC is to support NLR India in carving out a research niche for itself and support the development of a Research Strategy and Plans for conducting policy/programmatic relevant studies on leprosy, disabilities, allied skin NTDs, mental health, and stigma, etc. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Vishma Mohan Katoch (Chair of RAC), President of JIPMER, Pondicherry & Editor, Indian Journal of Leprosy, and attended by Dr. Anil Kumar (Co-Chair of RAC), Principal Advisor, Govt. of India, Dr. Ranganathan Rao Pemmaraju, Programme Advisor, Medical Issues, Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative, Dr. Sanjay Wadhwa, Prof. & Head, Dept. of Physical Medical & Rehabilitation, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Govt. of India, Dr. Atul Ambekar, Prof. & Head, Dept. of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Dr. Vivek Pai, Director of Bombay Leprosy Project, Dr Ashok Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NLR India and Dr Suchitra Lisam, Head, Research & Knowledge Management, NLR India. Dr. Suchitra Lisam presented the overview of NLR India-25th year’s journey, key achievements, research portfolio, and terms of references (ToR) for RAC as key agenda items. The meeting was a big success and all members proactively participated and provided several recommendations and guidance towards devising a Research Strategy that will be rolled out over the coming years, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and partner agencies.
