Mumbai, February 9 – Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh issued a stark warning on Monday, emphasizing that thyroid disorders transcend mere health issues. They directly threaten India’s productivity, demographics, and nation-building efforts.
Speaking at the Indian Thyroid Society conference, Dr. Singh urged endocrinologists to ramp up public awareness, bolster research collaborations, and prioritize early detection. An official statement highlighted his call to action for the medical community.
‘Thyroid diseases, particularly hypothyroidism, often go undetected in large numbers across the country,’ he noted. This silent epidemic drains individuals’ energy, work capacity, and long-term productivity. With over 70% of India’s population under 40, the implications are alarming for the nation’s workforce.
Statistics paint a grim picture: approximately 42 million Indians suffer from thyroid disorders. Dr. Singh stressed the urgent need for research and public health responses scaled to this magnitude.
He advocated for multidisciplinary coordination across life sciences, medical fields, and allied sectors, coupled with widespread social awareness. Hypothyroidism affects nearly 11% of adults, with many cases undiagnosed. In pregnancy, undetected hypothyroidism risks congenital issues in newborns and irreversible neurodevelopmental damage.
Dr. Singh spotlighted government initiatives like the BioPharma Strength Mission, the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), and a Rs 1 lakh crore framework for research, development, and innovation. These efforts ensure participation from private and philanthropic entities.
India’s biotech strides include developing the first indigenous antibiotic against antibiotic-resistant infections, successful gene therapy trials for hemophilia, and DNA vaccine deployment during COVID-19. ‘These achievements underscore our potential to tackle thyroid challenges head-on,’ he affirmed.
As India marches towards becoming a global biotech leader, addressing thyroid disorders through awareness and innovation remains pivotal for a healthier, more productive future.