Union Minister Calls for Greater Research, Awareness and Early Detection
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, has said that thyroid disorders must be viewed not merely as clinical conditions but as a national concern linked to productivity, demographic strength, and nation building. He stressed that the health of the population directly influences India’s long-term development trajectory.
Addressing leading endocrinologists and medical experts at the Mid-Term Annual Conference of the Indian Thyroid Society (ITSCON) in Chandigarh, the Minister highlighted that undiagnosed and untreated thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism, can significantly affect energy levels and workforce efficiency. In a country where more than 70 percent of the population is below 40 years of age, he said, such health issues could have far-reaching consequences on national output.
The conference brought together eminent endocrinologists, nuclear medicine specialists, surgeons, researchers, and faculty members from premier medical institutions. Appreciating the organisers for choosing Chandigarh as the venue, Dr Singh described the city as an important academic and research hub in North India with strong institutional contributions to medical science.
Referring to estimates that nearly 42 million Indians live with thyroid disorders, the Minister noted that hypothyroidism alone affects around 11 percent of the adult population. He cautioned that a significant proportion of cases remain undiagnosed or untreated. He also underlined the risks of undetected hypothyroidism during pregnancy, which can result in congenital hypothyroidism and irreversible neurodevelopmental damage in children if timely screening is not undertaken.
Dr Singh observed that while conditions such as diabetes and obesity receive considerable public attention, thyroid disorders remain relatively under-recognised despite their widespread prevalence. He called for stronger multidisciplinary collaboration across life sciences, medical sciences, and allied sectors to address thyroid health comprehensively. According to him, challenges of this scale require coordinated institutional and societal efforts.
Placing the discussion within the broader framework of government-led scientific reforms, the Minister highlighted efforts over the past decade to break silo-based functioning and promote synergy among research institutions, academia, industry, and technology developers. He emphasised the need to translate laboratory research into market-ready applications and encouraged early industry participation to ensure sustainability and real-world impact.
Referring to recent Union Budget announcements, Dr Singh spoke about the Biopharma Shakti Mission, which aims to boost indigenous drug and medical device development. He cited achievements in biotechnology, including India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic for resistant infections, gene therapy trials for haemophilia, and the rollout of a DNA vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic, as examples of the country’s growing capabilities in cost-effective therapeutics and diagnostics.
Calling doctors “true nation builders,” the Minister said that timely diagnosis, neonatal screening, and effective treatment directly contribute to shaping India’s future human capital. He urged the Indian Thyroid Society and the broader medical fraternity to strengthen awareness campaigns, research collaborations, and early detection initiatives so that thyroid health becomes an integral component of the national development agenda.
