New Delhi, : In a significant advancement towards improving early diagnosis and preventive healthcare, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has backed ‘HemoQR’, an innovative smart diagnostic device developed by IIT Kharagpur for rapid screening of anaemia.

The HemoQR device is designed to enable quick, accurate, and non-invasive haemoglobin estimation, making anaemia screening more accessible, especially in resource-limited and remote settings. Leveraging advanced sensing technology and digital integration, the device can deliver near real-time results, reducing dependence on conventional laboratory-based testing.

According to researchers, HemoQR aims to address the growing burden of anaemia in India by facilitating mass screening, early detection, and timely intervention, particularly among vulnerable populations such as women and children. The portability and ease of use of the device make it suitable for deployment in primary healthcare centers, community health programs, and field settings.

ICMR’s support underscores the importance of indigenous innovation in medical technology, encouraging the development of scalable, cost-effective solutions tailored to India’s healthcare needs. The collaboration is expected to accelerate validation, deployment, and integration of the device into public health initiatives.

Experts highlight that anaemia remains a major public health concern in India, and the availability of rapid diagnostic tools like HemoQR can significantly enhance screening coverage, improve healthcare outreach, and support national health programs.

The initiative aligns with India’s broader push towards digital health innovation, preventive healthcare, and strengthening primary healthcare systems, while promoting homegrown MedTech solutions.

With this development, IIT Kharagpur and ICMR reinforce their commitment to advancing technology-driven healthcare solutions that improve accessibility, efficiency, and patient outcomes across the country.