ICMR initiates steps for non-invasive testing method to tackle anaemia
- Despite efforts under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) program, anaemia remains a significant public health issue in India.
Key Highlights
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in Delhi is seeking innovative solutions and has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible organizations
Key Initiatives Under AMB
- The AMB program emphasises testing and treating anaemia through digital methods and point-of-care treatment, with a particular focus on pregnant women and school-going adolescents.
- The effective implementation of the test and treat strategy requires a simple, non-invasive hemoglobinometer acceptable to all, especially young children.
Call for Validation of Devices
- While several 'Make in India' non-invasive hemoglobinometer devices are available
- The ICMR emphasises the need for validation to establish accuracy, bias, and precision before recommending their use in the AMB program.
Prevalence of Anaemia in India
- According to the National Family Health Survey 5 (2019-21), the prevalence of anaemia in various groups is as follows: 25.0% in men (15-49 years), 57.0% in women (15-49 years).
ICMR's Role and Objectives
- ICMR aims to conduct a validation study of non-invasive hemoglobinometer devices through a hospital-based clinical study, comparing them against the gold standard method of hemoglobin measurement.
- The organisation will provide technical support, including study planning, protocol development, results analysis, outcome assessment, and product improvement.
Collaboration and Support
- ICMR, through its institutes, will facilitate and support the research and development/clinical study of new technology/products in collaboration with companies/institutions.
- The collaboration details and timelines will be decided later under the agreement in a professional and mutually agreed-upon manner.
Prelims Takeaway
- National Family Health Survey
- Indian Council of Medical Research