New Delhi, 9 Feb (UNI): Highlighting a major diagnostic gap in the detection of thyroid disorders in India, which affects nearly 11 per cent of adults, about 42 million people, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday called for scaling up screening and emphasised the importance of early detection.
He drew attention to the serious implications of undetected hypothyroidism during pregnancy, which can lead to congenital hypothyroidism and irreversible neurodevelopmental consequences in children if not addressed through timely screening and intervention.
Singh made the remarks at the Mid-Term Annual Conference of the Indian Thyroid Society (ITSCON) in Chandigarh. The Minister further added that undiagnosed and untreated thyroid conditions, particularly hypothyroidism, impact energy levels, workforce efficiency, and long-term national output, especially in a country where over 70 per cent of the population is below 40 years of age.
Despite the widespread prevalence, thyroid disorders remain relatively under-recognised, the Science Minister said while noting that much of the attention is taken away by other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity. He called for stronger multidisciplinary coordination across life sciences, medical sciences, and allied sectors to address thyroid disorders in a comprehensive manner. He said that medical issues of this magnitude cannot be left to a single domain and require wider societal awareness and institutional collaboration.
Calling doctors “true nation builders,” the Minister said that every timely diagnosis, early neonatal screening, and effective treatment contributes directly to shaping India’s future human capital. He urged the Indian Thyroid Society and the wider medical fraternity to intensify awareness, research collaboration, and early detection strategies so that thyroid health becomes an integral part of the national development discourse.
