BHUBANESWAR: The State Government is keen on including iodised salt in the public distribution system (PDS) in order to ensure access by the lowest rung of the society and tackle the high prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) in the population, said Health Secretary Anu Garg .
The proposed project would commit itself to universalisation of salt iodisation and is proposed to be carried forward through multi-sectoral engagement.

Iodine deficiency diseases on the rise againIDDS, or Iodine Deficiency Disorders, have never been on the government list of priority health issues. Till now, that is. A recent cross-country study by the Directorate General of Health Services, Indian Council of Medical Research and state health directorates have thrown up alarming figures.

Pakistan is rated 6th amongst the countries, where iodine deficiency is a serious public health problem. Talking to Business Recorder, Dr Arif Azad, Executive Coordinator, The Network for Consumer Protection said that with significant advances in salt iodization campaign, Pakistan is lagging behind its South Asia.

The number of goitre patients in the greater Rangpur district (Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Gaibandha and Nilphamari) has been increasing day by day due to iodine deficiency, according to a survey conducted by a NGO recently. The bad effect of the paucity of iodine is that it hinders mental and physical growth.

KARACHI (March 25 2009): Iodine is an essential micro-nutrient required for normal physical and mental growth and development.

COIMBATORE: The Central Government is organising a special campaign to promote the use of iodised salt among tribal women.