Current Status Of Endemic Goitre Control Programme In India- Measures To Eradicate By 2000 A.D.

• Main Authors: Agarwal Dev K, Agarwal K.N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 1986-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Community Medicine
• Online Access: http://www.ijcm.org.in/article.asp?issn=0970-0218;year=1986;volume=11;issue=4;spage=207;epage=222;aulast=Agarwal;type=0

Study of 5870 school children and 1664 general population showed that even in states covered by the iodized salt, the endemic goiter prevalence rates were 26.5 to 54.3% This may be partly due to inadequate supply of the iodized salt as well as loss of iodine during transport and storage. Unfortunately approximately 8000 metric tones/annum of rock salt is imported from Pakistan and mainly consumed in the Western sub-Himalayan endemic states (J&K, HP & Punjab). The measures effective enough to eradicate endemic goitre in next 10 years will require a strong determination by the Government of India with provision in the VII five year plan to provide funds for sufficient production (including subsidy to the public sector), proper packaging, storage, maintenance of price parity, priority for transportation and judicious use of prevention of food adulteration Act. The health and welfare departments should also create public awareness on the health consequences of this dreaded disorder and the simplicity of its control by regular consumption of iodized salt.