Dr. Nitya Anand, the renowned scientist who discovered India’s first oral contraceptive pill ‘Saheli,’ passed away at the age of 99 after a prolonged illness. He was not only a distinguished scientist but also served as the former director of the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI).
Academic and Professional Journey
- Dr. Anand was associated with CDRI since its inception in 1951.
- He served as the director of CDRI from 1974 to 1984.
- During his tenure, he published over 400 research papers, held over 130 patents, and supervised 100 PhD students.
Contributions to Contraceptive Research
- Dr. Anand was the driving force behind the discovery of ‘Centchroman,’ popularly known as ‘Saheli.’
- Saheli, launched by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986, is the world’s first and only non-steroidal, non-hormonal, once-a-week oral contraceptive pill.
- In 2016, Saheli was incorporated into the National Family Programme of India and remains the only non-steroidal non-hormonal contraceptive globally.
Role in CDRI
- His tenure at CDRI, from scientist to head of the medical chemistry division and later as director, significantly shaped and nurtured budding scientists of the institute.
Contribution to Drug Policies
- Dr. Anand played a crucial role in assisting and formulating different drug policies for the Government of India for almost four decades.
- He served as an advisor and consultant to various scientific bodies and institutions.
Awards and Family
- A Padma Shri awardee, Dr. Anand is survived by his sons Neeraj Nityanand and Dr. Naveen Nitya Anand, and daughter Dr. Sonia Nityanand.
- Dr. Sonia Nityanand is the vice-chancellor of King George’s Medical University (KGMU).
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What is the name of the oral contraceptive pill discovered by Dr. Nitya Anand? a) Centchroman
b) Sterolin
c) HormoShield
d) WeeklyCon
Answer: a) Centchroman
2. When was Saheli, the oral contraceptive pill, launched in India? a) 1974
b) 1986
c) 1995
d) 2002
Answer: b) 1986
3. In which institute did Dr. Nitya Anand serve as the director from 1974 to 1984? a) AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences)
b) ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)
c) CDRI (Central Drug Research Institute)
d) NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences)
Answer: c) CDRI
4. What is the unique feature of Saheli, the oral contraceptive pill? a) Steroidal composition
b) Hormonal formulation
c) Non-steroidal and non-hormonal
d) Daily intake
Answer: c) Non-steroidal and non-hormonal
5. Apart from his contributions to science, what role did Dr. Nitya Anand play in drug policies? a) Formulating policies for international drug trade
b) Assisting and formulating drug policies for the Government of India
c) Advocating for herbal medicine research
d) Establishing pharmaceutical manufacturing standards
Answer: b) Assisting and formulating drug policies for the Government of India