Kolkata, April 6 The Indian Council of Medical Research has recommended a new, low-cost anaemia screening tool developed at IIT Kharagpur, offering a simple and rapid way to check haemoglobin levels without bulky machines, an institute spokesperson said on Monday.
Called HemoQR, the portable kit, developed by SmartQR Technologies under the guidance of IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty, uses a drop of blood from a finger prick.
The sample is placed on a special paper strip, and a smartphone camera scans it to estimate haemoglobin levels within minutes.
In simple terms, this means doctors or healthcare workers can quickly check for anaemia, even in remote areas, without needing laboratory equipment.
The device has been tested at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital and has been found suitable for initial anaemia screening in hospitals as well as in the broader diagnostic process.
"This is a step towards affordable and accessible healthcare. HemoQR shows how technology can directly help tackle widespread problems like anaemia," Chakraborty said.
The recommendation is expected to support government programmes such as the 'Anaemia Mukt Bharat' and the National Health Mission, which aim to reduce anaemia across the country through early detection and treatment.
Officials said the tool could be widely used in both hospitals and community health camps, helping to identify patients faster and start treatment sooner.
The development highlights IIT Kharagpur's focus on creating practical, low-cost healthcare solutions with real-world impact, particularly as India looks to strengthen its public health systems.