IMPHAL, October 21: The State Directorate of Health Services has observed Global Iodine Deficiency Disease Prevention Day at the Jubilee hall of RIMS today. Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing said that the day was observed to create awareness about the need to prevent iodine deficiency.
Iodine is one of the most essential elements of our food. Due to iodine deficiency, many people in the country are facing health problems, including endemic goitre and mental or motor handicaps especially common among pregnant women and children, he said.
In the context of Manipur, iodine deficiency disorder mostly happens in hilly areas as all the elements are washed away by water to the valley and also due to lack of education, he added.
Speaking at the function, National Health and Family Welfare Services regional director Dr L A Singh said iodine deficiency disorder is more common in developing countries of Africa and India. In India, more than six crore people are suffering from iodine deficiency particularly in the Himalayan region including Kashmir and Manipur, he added.
He also said that an adult should consume 150 micro gram of iodine per day. According to a survey about 92 percent of the families in the State use iodised salt but it is necessary to check how the people of the State are using it, he added.
State Health Services/SMD director Okram Ibomcha Singh and State Family Welfare Service, director K Raju Singh also attended the function as the president and guest of honour.