Odisha: Iodised salt may be included in PDS soon

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. A State-level multi-sectoral workshop on the universal salt iodisation was organised by the Government in association with Unicef on Friday to initiate a convergent effort by all concerned agencies and authorities in ensuring availability and distribution of adequately iodised salt across the State. The Government is also working on installing mechanisms and strengthening monitoring to prevent entry of non-iodised salt into the State, which is afflicted by large-scale infiltration from the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The issue has also been taken up with the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry. Odisha has banned use, sale or trade of non-iodised salt under the National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme (NIDDCP) but is still struggling with high consumption of non-iodised salt and consequent prevalence of IDDs. As per the National Family Health Survey-III data, only 40 per cent population of the State is consuming adequately iodised salt in the State.Salt iodisation is the most effective and safe means of preventing IDDs in State. IDDs can be prevented with just one teaspoon of iodine consumed in tiny amounts on a regular basis over a lifetime. Iodine deficiency is the primary cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage, malformed foetuses, stillbirth, goitre, motor and speech problems.Studies indicate that high incidence of IDDs in the southern districts with Malkangiri reporting almost one person in two with iodine deficiency related disorder or disease. Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati and Koraput districts have also recorded high prevalence of IDD. Prevalence in districts like Dhenkanal and Angul are even as high as 30.2 per cent and 28.2 per cent respectively. The Unicef is also making efforts in the direction by facilitating creation of iodised salt traders coalition in the State, officer-in-charge Laxminarayan Nanda said.