The Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase (PI-CHeCK) is a flagship initiative of the CSIR, designed to build a longitudinal health cohort of over 10,000 employees, retirees, and spouses from across 37 CSIR laboratories spanning 17 Indian states and two Union Territories. 

The primary objective of the programme is to develop India-specific risk prediction models for cardio-metabolic disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases by gathering multi-dimensional data across clinical, biochemical, imaging, molecular, lifestyle, and dietary domains.

Health camps, like this one organised at CSIR-NIScPR on 11-12 July 2025 through the PI-CHeCK initiative (Phase II), are integral to achieving “Swasthya Bharat, Viksit Bharat” (Healthy India, Developed India), fostering personalised healthcare strategies rooted in the unique Indian phenotype.

The health camp aimed to integrate baseline health metrics into the PI-CHeCK cohort, to enhance early detection and prevention strategies for cardio-metabolic conditions, and foster inter-lab collaboration and health awareness within the CSIR ecosystem.

Altogether, 72 employees including scientists, technical staff, and support staff have participated in the health camp. Apart from CSIR-NIScPR employees, some employees from other CSIR labs and units like CSIR-NPL, CSIR-HQ, and CSIR-RAB have participated in the health camp organised at CSIR-NIScPR.

Tests and Sample Collection

Over two days, participants underwent a comprehensive suite of evaluations, including vital signs & anthropometry (blood pressure, weight, height, body circumference); body composition (BMI, mass composition, dynamometry); cardiovascular screening (ECG, heart rate variability); liver health (transient elastography (Fibroscan)); respiratory assessment (spirometry, oscillometry); basic hematology (phlebotomy, complete blood count, blood biochemistry); and lifestyle-related assessments (dietary habits evaluation, Prakriti assessment (Ayurvedic body-type evaluation)).

Outcomes and Key Achievements

• Collected data contributed to the PI-CHeCK clinical knowledgebase and bio-repository
• Raised awareness of participants on early disease detection and lifestyle optimisation
• Provided opportunity to the employees from other CSIR labs and units to participate in the PI-CHeCK health camp and contribute to the knowledge base and bio-repository
• Successful completion of all planned tests within the two-day period with no logistical or coordination delays

The event was marked by systematic planning and execution by the nodal PI-CHeCK lab (CSIR-IGIB) and the CSIR-NIScPR coordinating team; smooth coordination among technicians, phlebotomists, physicians, and sampling teams; and efficient scheduling, sample collection, testing, and preliminary feedback. Beyond immediate outcomes, the initiative reinforces CSIR’s long-term vision to create India-specific health insights and timely risk interventions, advancing the frontiers of precision public health across the nation.