The Central India Institute of Medical Sciences (CIIMS), Nagpur, has joined the prestigious national research initiative CLIMB-INDIA (CLIMate change and Brain infections in INDIA), led by Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, and supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under its Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) programme. The project brings together eleven leading medical and academic institutions across the country, and CIIMS Nagpur’s inclusion marks an important milestone reflecting the institute’s sustained hard work, growing reputation, and excellence in neurological care and research.
Dr. Rajpal Singh Kashyap, Director, Research, CIIMS and PI of this project, indicated that CLIMB-INDIA is a multi-centre research project aimed at understanding how climate change, rising temperatures, and air pollution influence serious brain infections such as meningitis and encephalitis. By combining hospital data with weather and air quality information, the project aims to develop early warning systems for outbreaks and strengthen preparedness of hospitals and public health systems, supporting better planning, faster response, and climate- resilient health policies that translate into real benefits for patients and communities.
CIIMS Nagpur plays a crucial role as a sentinel and clinical partner, contributing patient data, diagnostic testing, and linking clinical findings with local environmental conditions. Nagpur’s location in Central India, with its extreme temperatures and seasonal climatic variations, makes it an ideal site for studying climate- sensitive brain infections, informed Co-PI and neurologists Dr. Nitin Chandak, Dr. Dinesh Kabra and Dr. Neeraj Baheti. Complex or unexplained cases will be supported through advanced national reference laboratories at CMC Vellore, ensuring high-quality diagnosis and research outcomes.
The participation of CIIMS in CLIMB-INDIA highlights its emergence as a trusted national partner in ICMR- funded research initiatives and its strong collaborations with premier institutions across India, said Dr. Lokendra Singh, Director, CIIMS. This achievement is a moment of pride not only for CIIMS but also for the city of Nagpur, reinforcing its growing importance in advanced medical research and public health. Through this collaboration, CIIMS continues its commitment to translating research into meaningful health solutions for the people of Central India and the nation at large, said Shri Praveen Tapadia, Chairman, CIIMS. The Other team members included in the project are Dr. Amit Nayak another Co-PI of the project, Dr Rima Biswas , Ms. Komal Gurnani and Ms. Vaidehi Motghare.