Mumbai, February 9 (IANS). Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Monday that thyroid related diseases are not just a health problem, but they are directly related to the country’s productivity, demography and nation building.
Addressing the endocrinologists present at the conference of the Indian Thyroid Society, Dr. Singh appealed to the medical community to increase awareness about thyroid, strengthen research collaboration and emphasize on timely identification of the disease. This information was given in an official statement.
He said that a large number of thyroid diseases, especially hypothyroidism, remain undiagnosed in the country, affecting people’s energy efficiency, functionality and long-term productivity. In a country where more than 70 percent of the population is below 40 years of age, this is a matter of concern.
Dr. Singh said that approximately 4.2 crore people in India are suffering from thyroid disorders and given the prevalence of this problem, there is a need for corresponding research and public health response.
He said that a big medical challenge like thyroid cannot be limited to any one area. This requires strong multidisciplinary coordination between life sciences, medical sciences and other allied fields and broader social awareness.
The minister said hypothyroidism affects about 11 percent of adults and a large number of patients remain undiagnosed. If hypothyroidism is not identified during pregnancy, it can lead to congenital hypothyroidism and irreversible neuro-developmental harm in children.
Dr Singh also mentioned the BioPharma Shakti Mission, the establishment of the Research National Research Foundation (ANRF) to promote progress and research in India’s biotechnology and the Rs 1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation Framework, in which participation of private and philanthropic institutions is being ensured.
Citing India’s biotechnology achievements, he said the country has developed the first indigenous antibiotic against antibiotic-resistant infections, conducted successful trials of gene therapy for hemophilia and successfully used a DNA vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
–IANS
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