Latest news with #NationalInstituteofImmunohaematology
The Print
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Print
Sickle cell anaemia test kits priced less than Rs 50 in govt's bid to eradicate disease
The government has proposed large-scale screening for the blood disorder under the National Sickle Cell Elimination Programme, targeting a population of seven crore. Two ICMR centres — National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) in Mumbai and the Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur — have validated 35 point-of-care tests for sickle cell anaemia diagnosis developed by different firms in the past six months. New Delhi, Jun 23 (PTI) Sickle cell anaemia tests have become much more affordable, with the government driving the prices of kits to less than Rs 50 in its bid to make diagnosis accessible and eradicate the inherited blood disorder. 'The initial manufacturer's quote was Rs 350 per test. The Department of Health Research received a request to conduct a health technology assessment to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of sickle cell diagnostic kits,' Dr Prabhakar Kedar, a senior scientist at the NIIH, told PTI. The ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, along with PGI Chandigarh and NIIH, conducted a comprehensive assessment and determined that point-of-care tests for sickle cell disease/trait among the high-risk population in India would be cost-effective if procured at Rs 100 per test or below. Following the recommendation, the National Health Mission instructed state health departments to procure the diagnostic kits at a maximum price of Rs 100 per test, Dr Kedar informed. 'Through public tendering, the competitive procurement process drove the price of the kits down to Rs 82 per test, significantly below the initial quote, resulting in a saving of Rs 1,857 crore. 'Subsequently, NIIH validated new kits and the manufacturer has agreed to sell the kits at less than Rs 50 per test,' Dr Kedar stated. To support the fight against sickle cell disease, Dr Prabhakar Kedar (Nodal Officer) at ICMR-NIIH in Mumbai and Dr Naga Muralidhar, scientist, at CRMCH in Chandrapur have been chosen by the government to test and approve the new diagnostic kits. 'So far, they have checked and approved 35 different kits, including simple tests that can be done on the spot (like finger-prick tests), lab-based tests and molecular tests that detect the disease at the genetic level,' Dr Muralidhar elaborated. Most of these kits were tested and approved within just one month of receiving them, he said and added this fast-track validation has helped ensure that high-quality and accurate test kits are available quickly, especially for use in remote and tribal areas. Dr Kedar termed these efforts a big boost for the National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission, which aims to eliminate the disease from India by 2047. Sickle Cell Disease is one of the most common inherited blood disorders, primarily affecting individuals in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, India, and parts of the Mediterranean. In India alone, the disease burden is significant, especially among tribal and certain non-tribal populations in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Gujarat, and other central and western states. Dr Kedar said that an estimated over 20 million people in India carry the sickle cell gene, and approximately 1 in every 70 births in some regions is affected by the disease. The disease presents a major public health challenge due to its chronic nature, early onset, and high morbidity if not adequately managed, he said. Beyond physical suffering, individuals with sickle cell disease face social stigma and discrimination. Myths that the disease is contagious or a curse result in isolation, marital issues, and academic or workplace challenges. Children often face bullying, while adults struggle with low self-esteem and mental health problems due to chronic pain, fatigue, and visible symptoms, Dr Kedar added. Addressing these challenges requires culturally sensitive health education, psychosocial support, inclusive school and work policies, and patient empowerment. 'Government interventions must ensure legal protection, insurance coverage, and welfare schemes to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden of sickle cell disease,' Dr Kedar stressed. PTI PLB NSD NSD This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Print
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Print
ICMR's NIIH develops simple point of care test for haemophilia A, Von Willebrand Disease
Bleeding disorders such as haemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) represent significant public health challenges in India due to underdiagnosis and limited access to diagnostic facilities. The test offers a promising alternative to the current standard of care which relies on complex and costly diagnostic procedures limited to very few tertiary facilities in India, Dr Rucha Patil, scientist at the National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) in Mumbai, said. New Delhi, Jun 23 (PTI) A simple and affordable point-of-care test kit has been indigenously developed by the National Institute of Immunohaematology for early diagnosis of genetic bleeding disorders haemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease. The point-of-care (PoC) test costs just Rs 582 while the current lab-based tests cost around Rs 2,086, Dr Bipin Kulkarni, scientist, at NIIH, said. The test kit was invented by former scientist Dr Shrimati Shetty and former ICMR postdoctoral fellow from NIIH Dr. Priyanka Kasatkar. The World Federation for Haemophilia has shown interest in procuring these tests for deployment in countries where the disease is prevalent, Dr Manisha Madkaikar, director of NIIH, Mumbai and Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur under the ICMR, said. 'For India, this new rapid, visual card testing device has made testing possible even at primary health centres bringing diagnosis closer to the people who need it most. By using these PoC kits at PHCs and other local health centres, India can find and treat these bleeding disorders early, improve patient outcomes, and cut healthcare costs dramatically. This is a major step toward improving care for one of the country's most neglected health issues', Dr Madkaikar said. The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) analysis team of ICMR and Department of Health Research (DHR) recommended that the PoC kits for haemophilia A and VWD are suitable for primary facility-based screening and suggested integration of the test into the national health programs at primary healthcare level. This is currently being implemented in different states, Dr Kulkarni said. 'This kit could help detect over 83,000 undiagnosed cases', he said, adding, 'It would save the health system about Rs 42 crore, which is three times cheaper than the current method'. Haemophilia A and VWD are the two most common inherited bleeding disorders. People with these conditions often suffer from joint swelling, easy bruising, muscle bleeding, and in women, heavy menstrual bleeding or complications during childbirth. 'India is estimated to have 1.5 lakh people with haemophilia, but only about 27,000 are officially diagnosed,' Dr Patil said. 'Incidence of haemophilia A is 1 in 5,000 male births. VWD is known to affect 1 per cent of general population,' she said. 'Haemophilia A is passed down in families through the X chromosome (X linked recessive disorder)', Dr Patil explained. 'Boys are usually the ones who have the disease, because they have only one X chromosome. If that X has the faulty gene, they don't have a 'backup' and will show symptoms. Girls usually have two X chromosomes, so if one X has the faulty gene, the other X can often make up for it. These girls are called 'carriers',' he said. 'The VWD is an autosomal disease. This means both males and females can get it equally. It is not linked to gender like haemophilia,' Dr Patil added. PTI PLB DV DV This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
ICMR's NIIH develops simple point of care test for haemophilia A, Von Willebrand Disease
A simple and affordable point-of-care test kit has been indigenously developed by the National Institute of Immunohaematology for early diagnosis of genetic bleeding disorders haemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease . The test offers a promising alternative to the current standard of care which relies on complex and costly diagnostic procedures limited to very few tertiary facilities in India, Dr Rucha Patil, scientist at the National Institute of Immunohaematology ( NIIH ) in Mumbai, said. Bleeding disorders such as haemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) represent significant public health challenges in India due to underdiagnosis and limited access to diagnostic facilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nunca use o saca-rolhas para abrir um vinho. O motivo vai te surpreender Blog Amo Vinhos Undo The point-of-care (PoC) test costs just Rs 582 while the current lab-based tests cost around Rs 2,086, Dr Bipin Kulkarni, scientist, at NIIH, said. The test kit was invented by former scientist Dr Shrimati Shetty and former ICMR postdoctoral fellow from NIIH Dr. Priyanka Kasatkar. Live Events The World Federation for Haemophilia has shown interest in procuring these tests for deployment in countries where the disease is prevalent, Dr Manisha Madkaikar, director of NIIH, Mumbai and Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur under the ICMR, said. "For India, this new rapid, visual card testing device has made testing possible even at primary health centres bringing diagnosis closer to the people who need it most. By using these PoC kits at PHCs and other local health centres, India can find and treat these bleeding disorders early, improve patient outcomes, and cut healthcare costs dramatically. This is a major step toward improving care for one of the country's most neglected health issues", Dr Madkaikar said. The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) analysis team of ICMR and Department of Health Research (DHR) recommended that the PoC kits for haemophilia A and VWD are suitable for primary facility-based screening and suggested integration of the test into the national health programs at primary healthcare level. This is currently being implemented in different states, Dr Kulkarni said. "This kit could help detect over 83,000 undiagnosed cases", he said, adding, "It would save the health system about Rs 42 crore, which is three times cheaper than the current method". Haemophilia A and VWD are the two most common inherited bleeding disorders. People with these conditions often suffer from joint swelling, easy bruising, muscle bleeding, and in women, heavy menstrual bleeding or complications during childbirth. "India is estimated to have 1.5 lakh people with haemophilia, but only about 27,000 are officially diagnosed," Dr Patil said. "Incidence of haemophilia A is 1 in 5,000 male births. VWD is known to affect 1 per cent of general population," she said. "Haemophilia A is passed down in families through the X chromosome (X linked recessive disorder)", Dr Patil explained. "Boys are usually the ones who have the disease, because they have only one X chromosome. If that X has the faulty gene, they don't have a 'backup' and will show symptoms. Girls usually have two X chromosomes, so if one X has the faulty gene, the other X can often make up for it. These girls are called 'carriers'," he said. "The VWD is an autosomal disease. This means both males and females can get it equally. It is not linked to gender like haemophilia," Dr Patil added.
The Hindu
22-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Newborn screening, early treatment can cut sickle cell anaemia mortality: ICMR study
Post-birth diagnosis resulting in early treatment can substantially improve the quality of life and reduce mortality in patients with sickle cell disease to less than five per cent from the reported 20-30 per cent, according to an ICMR study. As many as 63,536 newborns were tested over a five year period from 2019- 2024 as part of the study on Newborn Screening for Sickle cell Disease conducted by the National Institute of Immunohaematology in Mumbai under the India Council of Medical Research (ICMR) across seven centres in high prevalence areas of India. The study is yet to be published. The newborn screening program helps find out if a baby is born with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a serious inherited blood disorder, soon after birth, explained Manisha Madkaikar, director of ICMR- Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur. "If not detected early, this disease can cause life-threatening problems like severe infections, anaemia (low blood levels), and even strokes in infants," she stressed. "Finding the disease early can save lives by allowing doctors to start treatment before problems begin," Prabhakar Kedar, Scientist F, ICMR-NIIH , who is the principal investigator of the study, said. Babies diagnosed early can be given preventive antibiotics (like penicillin) to avoid infections and get regular checkups and care from specialists, Dr Madkaikar said. Early detection also helps in getting important vaccines to protect against serious illnesses while parents can also be taught the signs of danger so they can act quickly. It also helps families and doctors plan long-term treatment, provides genetic counselling to the family, and increases awareness, reducing the number of future cases, Dr Madkaikar explained. This screening is especially important in tribal and high-risk areas of India, where many cases go undiagnosed, leading to early childhood deaths, Dr Kedar highlighted. "With screening, many of these deaths can be prevented," he said. During the study, 7,275 babies (11.4 per cent) were found to be carriers of the sickle cell gene. This means they don't have the disease but can pass it on to their children, Dr Kedar said, adding, 569 babies (0.9 per cent) were found to have SCD. These babies were followed up for the confirmation of diagnosis, parents were counselled about SCD, preventive measures to be taken for or to avoid complications, and informed about prenatal diagnosis to avoid any further births of affected children in the family. "The babies were given comprehensive care, including penicillin prophylaxis, folic acid supplementation, appropriate vaccinations and hydroxyurea therapy, as indicated. This resulted in reduction in mortality in these children to less than 5 per cent from the earlier reported mortality of 20-30 per cent," Dr Kedar said. This study shows that newborn screening works and can save lives, especially in places with a high number of cases like tribal areas, Dr Kedar said. This study was coordinated by Harpreet Kaur, senior scientists at ICMR, Delhi. "By detecting Sickle Cell Disease early, babies can get timely care, live healthier lives, and families can be better prepared," Dr Kedar said. The seven centres which participated in the study are National Institute For Implementation Research on Non-Communicable Diseases in Jodhpur, Society for Education, Welfare and Action-Rural (SEWA -Rural) in Gujarat, the Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare Association (NAWA), Tamil Nadu, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health in Mumbai, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH) in Jabalpur, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar and ICMR- Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Chandrapur. Of the total 63,536 newborns tested, 57 per cent belonged to tribal parents and rest from others, Dr Kedar informed. The aim of the study was also to understand the regional variability and role of genetic modifiers in sickle cell disease as well as to identify barriers for newborn screening implementation, he explained.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Rare blood types hard to find? New ICMR registry could change that
New Delhi: The National Institute of Immunohaematology in Mumbai under the India Council of Medical Research has for the first time created a national 'rare blood donor registry' for patients with rare and uncommon blood types who need frequent transfusion especially in conditions such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease. The ICMR-NIIH is now in talks with the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) so that the rare donor registry portal can be integrated with e-Raktakosh, a platform which currently provides information about blood availability, Dr Manisha Madkaikar, Director of ICMR-Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur said. The integration will help people with rare blood groups easily trace blood banks and procure blood. It will also assist the blood banks manage their stock and donors through a centralised system. India, with a population of more than 142 crore, has over 4,000 licensed blood banks, according to the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). India relies heavily on transfusions due to a higher prevalence of blood diseases and complications during pregnancy, Dr Madkaikar said. "Thalassemia itself contributes to 1 to 1.5 lakh patients who require recurrent transfusions," she said. Additionally, with more than 1,200 road accidents occurring every day in India, and with every year 60 million surgeries, 240 million major operations, 331 million cancer-related procedures, and 10 million pregnancy complications, a serious call for blood transfusion is recognised, she said. In majority of blood banks in India , only ABO and RhD are antigens matched prior to cross-matching for issuing of red blood cell components. However, the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) has recognised more than 360 antigens in 47 blood group systems. Blood banks do not perform testing of these minor blood group antigens routinely, explained Dr Madkaikar. "As a result, a mismatch of minor antigens between donor and patient blood group (BG) profiles can lead to red cell alloimmunization (1-3 per cent in the general population, 8-18 per cent in thalassaemic patients). About 25 per cent of all immunized patients have been reported to receive unsatisfactory transfusion support due to presence of multiple antibodies or antibodies to high frequency antigens (HFA)," she said. Rare blood groups are those which lack HFA (1:1000 or less), or are negative for a combination of common antigens, or have a null phenotype. "Meeting a demand for rare blood supply is challenging and time consuming for such patients. The need of a patient for rare blood can be the start of a series of events that may extend beyond the local blood centre and become a national or even an international search," Dr Madkaikar said. To overcome this challenge, an inventory of extensively typed blood donors and rare blood type donors is required, she said. For this, internationally 27 countries have operational national rare donor registry programmes. India, however, is not a contributor country, she said. In 2019, however, ICMR -NIIH was granted Centre of Excellence project under the aegis of ICMR, where an initiative was taken to screen 4,000 'O' group regular blood donors for all clinically important antigens using high throughput molecular assays, from four different regions of India in collaboration with the big blood banks from KEM Hospital Mumbai, PGIMER Chandigarh, MCH Kolkatta and JIPMER Puducherry. "More than 600 donors negative for combination of antigens were identified along with 250 very rare blood group donors. The registry also includes 170 Bombay blood group donors, which is the commonly required rare blood type in India (approx 120-150 units/year). To access this inventory (ICMR-Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI)), a web-based portal has been developed for systematic requisition and provision of blood to patients on time," Dr Madkaikar said. "There is a plan to integrate this rare donor registry with e-Raktakosh of DGHS so that all the blood banks can contribute their rare donors and help in expansion of the registry. Last month we held a meeting with the DGHS," she said.
