– Dr Nitya Anand, brain behind India’s first oral contraceptive, passes away at 99
– Dr Nitya Anand, pioneer of India’s first oral contraceptive, dies at 99.
LUCKNOW: Former director of Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Dr Nitya Anand, passed away at the age of 99 after a prolonged illness. Dr Anand, who is known for discovering India’s first oral contraceptive ‘Saheli’, breathed his last at SGPGIMS Lucknow on Saturday. His contributions to the field of medicine will always be remembered.
Dr Nitya Anand, a Padma Shri awardee, leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. He is survived by his sons Neeraj Nityanand and Dr Naveen Nitya Anand, and his daughter Dr Sonia Nityanand, who currently serves as the vice-chancellor of King George’s Medical University (KGMU). The funeral ceremony will take place on Monday, where his loved ones will bid him a final farewell.
With a career spanning several decades, Dr Nitya Anand dedicated his life to the field of medical chemistry. He joined CDRI in 1951 and served as its director from 1974 to 1984. Throughout his illustrious career, he published over 400 research papers, held more than 130 patents, and supervised the research of 100 PhD students.
One of Dr Anand’s most significant achievements was the discovery of ‘Saheli’, India’s first non-steroidal, non-hormonal oral contraceptive. Also known as ‘Centchroman’, this revolutionary drug is a once-a-week contraceptive that has been incorporated into India’s National Family Planning Programme since 2016. It is the only non-steroidal, non-hormonal contraceptive of its kind in the world, making it a source of great pride for India and the city of Lucknow.
‘Saheli’ was launched by the late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986, further highlighting its importance and impact on women’s health and family planning.
CDRI spokesperson and senior scientist Sanjeev Yadav emphasized the immense contribution of Dr Nitya Anand to the institute. He stated, “Dr Anand’s presence at CDRI, first as a scientist, then as the head of the medicinal chemistry division, and finally as the director, played a pivotal role in shaping and nurturing young scientists. His guidance and expertise will be dearly missed.”
In addition to his work at CDRI, Dr Nitya Anand actively participated in formulating drug policies for the government of India for almost four decades. He also served as an advisor and consultant to various scientific bodies and institutions, further cementing his status as a respected and influential figure in the medical field.
The passing of Dr Nitya Anand is a great loss to the scientific community and the nation as a whole. His groundbreaking research and dedication to improving healthcare will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace..
Dr Nitya Anand, brain behind India’s first oral contraceptive, dies at 99 | Lucknow News, exclude numbers and the word keyword
1. Dr Nitya Anand, brain behind India’s first oral contraceptive, dies at 99
2. Dr Nitya Anand, pioneer of India’s oral contraceptive, passes away at 99.
