UNICEF calls for proper implementation of iodised salt decision

New Delhi, Apr 10 (UNI) UNICEF has called upon the government to set up a monitoring system for proper implementation of the decision regarding mandatory iodisation of salt to tackle the problem of Iodine Deficiency syndrome, which causes goitre and low IQ among poor people in rural areas.

''The decision, which would come into effect from May 17, should be effectively implemented. The government should set a monitoring committee or any other such mechanism for the purpose so that children could be saved of Iodine Defiency Syndrome,'' Schultink, Chief of Child Development and Nutrition Section of UNICEF in India told UNI.

Laboratories for voluntary testing should be set up in salt producing states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and other states. Salt producers should be made to confirm to the provision of mandatory iodisation otherwise they have to face penal provisions under the law, he added.

Stressing the need for awareness campaigns to be launched to inform people of the benefit of using iodised salts, he said this necessary as many time it has been seen that due to illiteracy and misinformation rural people donot realise the benefits of the iodised salt which is necessary to protect them from goitre, low IQ and ensure proper physical and mental development of foetus.

He said that Iodine Deficiency syndrome was quite prevalent in many of the endemic areas like Murshidabad in West Bengal and other places in states like Bihar and Orissa.

Refuting the misinformation propogated by some groups that mandatory iodisation would only help Multinational companies, he said that on the contrary, Indian manufacturers would be the major beneficiary of the move not only by providing iodised salt within the country but also exporting it.

Moreover, iodisation was not a costly measure as one kilogram of Potassium Iodide, which costs about Rs 700 to Rs 800, could be used to iodise 20 tonnes of salt. The machine used for iodisation was also not very costly at Rs two lakh for which banks couild give loan even to small time salt manufacturers. He said that by even crude salt could be iodised to keep the cost lower for poor people as most of the costis involved in crushing and refining of salt. The branded salt cost more while iodised unbranded salt are quite cheap, he pointed out.

Mr Schultink also proposed that iodised salt should be made available under the Public Distribution System at 25 paisa per kg for poor people. Many states like Gujarat, Chhatisgarh, Tamil Nadu, UP and Karanataka have already taken steps in this regard and similar move should be launched in other states of the country.

UNI AJ VD GC1543