Dr Nitya Anand: At SGPGIMS Lucknow, Dr. Nitya Anand, who created India’s first oral contraceptive, “Saheli,” passed away on Saturday following a protracted illness. The final ceremonies will take place on Monday. He was 99 years old when he passed away.
Association with CDRI
Anand, who was involved with the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) from its founding in 1951, was the organization’s director from 1974 to 1984. Anand was the driving force behind the discovery of “Centchroman,” also referred to as “Saheli,” according to a TOI story. It is the first and only once-weekly oral contraceptive that is non-steroidal and non-hormonal in the globe. In 1986, Rajiv Gandhi, who was prime minister at the time, introduced it.
Inclusion in National Family Planning Programme
In 2016, Saheli was added to India’s National Family Planning Programme. According to the journal, it remains the only non-steroidal, non-hormonal contraception in use today. Anand reached the pinnacle of his career at CDRI, first as a scientist and subsequently as the division’s head of medicinal chemistry (1963–1974) and director (1974–1984).
In addition, he helped the Indian government create various drug policies for nearly forty years and has advised and counselled numerous scientific organisations and agencies.
Prolific Publication and Innovation
During his career, Anand oversaw 100 PhD students and published over 400 academic publications and 130 patents. In addition, he has a Padma Shri. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Sonia Nityanand, who serves as vice-chancellor of King George’s Medical University (KGMU), and sons, Neeraj Nityanand and Dr. Naveen Nitya Anand.
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