Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 21: A State Level programme on National Iodine Disorders Deficiency Control Programme was organized by Directorate of Health Services in association with UT Health Mission today at PHC Garacharma with the aim to assess progress in the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders and to promote the use of adequately iodized salt. Inaugurating the programme, Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services, as the chief guest highlighted that iodine deficiency remains a preventable cause of brain damage and mental retardation. She emphasized the need for sustained efforts to ensure universal access to iodized salt for the healthy development of children and future generations and encouraged field functionaries to continue on household salt testing through salt testing kit method.
Smt. Radhika, Vice-Chairperson (SVPMC), Councillor Ward No. 24 as guest of honour thanked DHS for the efforts taken to decrease the iodine deficiency disorders in the Islands and appreciated the ANM trainees for their Skit. Shri. Chandra Sekharan, President, Andaman & Nicobar Chamber of Commerce & Industry assured full support to the Administration in strengthening public health institutions by ensuring the availability of iodized salt in all the markets. He appealed to the business community as a social responsibility to ensure that only iodized salt reaches consumer.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. H.M Siddaraju, Deputy Director (FW)/ Programme Officer (NIDDCP) emphasized on the importance of iodine during pregnancy and how it effects the foetus’s mental and physical growth and also briefed the participants about the series of efforts taken by Directorate of Health Services to increase the awareness among general public.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. M. Joy, Chief Medical Officer In-charge PHC Garacharma explained in depth about the NIDDCP programme and emphasized on storing iodized salt in air tight container and add salt at the end of cooking to prevent loss of iodine while cooking.
A skit was performed by ANM trainees on importance of iodine in adolescent age group and pregnancy, they displayed informative placards. Earlier, Dr. Shalini Lall, Technical Officer (NIDDCP), welcomed the gathering while the event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri. P. Yusuf, Health Educator.
