National Iodine Deficiency Disease Control Program , UT-Chandigarh
The program is underway in Chandigarh since 1989 with the establishment of IDD Cell when the prevalence rates of goitre in Chandigarh was as a high as 23.7%, with no idea of prevalence rate of other Iodine Deficiency Disorders like low IQ, physical and mental retardation, abortions, miscarriages etc.
IDD monitoring laboratory was established in 2006 and every year more than 3000 salt samples from various places like houses, shops, canteens, Anganwadis etc. are picked up for checking the quality of salt. Also more than thousand urine samples of vulnerable people like pregnant women and children are picked for urinary iodine excretion in the laboratory per year.
Health education to create awareness among school children, advertisements in villages, slum colonies and people visiting dispensaries and sub centres and other consumers is done through various mediums like print, audio visual aids, rallies, lectures etc. As per the programme guidelines, every 5 years a survey is conducted to know the incidence and prevalence of various iodine deficiency disorders. The prevalence rate of goitre as per survey done in 2016-17 was 3.4%. The next survey is due in the year 2022-23.
BAN NOTIFICATION: Ban notification was done on 26th February, 1976 in which sale of non–iodized salt was completely banned for edible purpose which is continuing till date.
Details of Program Officers
Name of Program Officer : Dr. Ramjana Mehta,
Address: Govt. Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector-16, Chandigarh
Tel: 0172-2768310
Email: niddccpchd@gmail.com
PHYSICAL ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER THE PROGRAM
The IDDP cell was established in 1989 and the following activities are being performed:
a) Health Education to create awareness among school children, adults, consumers and general public regarding Iodine Deficiency Disorders and their prevention by consuming iodized salt only is done, through various mediums – like print, audiovisual aids, rallies, lectures etc.
b) Surveys among school children of rural and urban areas to assess PR of Goitre after every 5 years. Monitoring the adequacy of Iodization of salt and adequacy of iodine sufficiency in bodies by urine analysis for iodine excretion.
c) Quality control of iodized salt by doing salt and urine testing in IDD Laboratory of the samples (salt & urine) collected in the camps & during surveys. 50 salt samples and 25 urine samples are required to be lifted and checked for iodine levels every month. We normally overshoot our targets as indicated in the physical achievements.
d) Compilation and submission of reports of NIDDCP to Govt. of India and to State authorities for evaluation.
e) Normal correspondence with Govt. of India and State Govt.
f) Designing of audiovisual aids, print material etc and procurement of other material required in the program like iodine testing kits, reagents chemicals stationary and other material.
ACTIVITIES OF THE LAB :
| Test Details | Discriptions |
|---|---|
| 1. Urine iodine excretion tests | Normally 50 samples are tested every month. Samples are collected during camps, survey and normally pre school children and pregnant women’s urine sample are taken as they are most vulnerable group and the level of urine iodine should be > 100ug/l. |
| 2. Iodine in salt testing - | This is being done regularly during camps, exhibition and Health Melas. More than 200 samples are tested every month. The content of iodine in salt should be >15 PPM. |
Lab Investigations:
| No. of salt sample lifted | Analyzed | Failed |
|---|---|---|
| 1244 | 1244 | 0 |
| No. of Urine samples lifted | Analyzed | Failed |
| 1187 | 1187 | 0 |
CAMPS:
- Till date (i.e. 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021:) 229 camps were held in Gynae OPD, Paed OPD and Dispensaries to educate students and people.
- To consume only iodized salt. Special emphasis is laid on correct purchase, usage and storage of iodized salt.
- To check for smiling sun logo on the packet at the time of purchase.
- To check the label that Iodine content is > 15 PPM in salt.
- Pack should be sealed and manufacturing date is <6 months.
- Salt should be stored in closed container away from heat and moisture.
- Salt is put in the dish after it is of the heat.
- IEC material & MBI Kits are also distributed to school children and general public. Salt and Urine samples are lifted from students.
- Lectures to student from 6th Class till 12th Class on Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Program is delivered by the Programme Officer, IDD Cell. Children are shown slides, posters, handbills and ‘MBI – on the spot iodine testing kits’ working is demonstrated. Spot test kits, posters etc are given to schools and pamphlets, booklets, handbills and badges are distributed among children.
- 50 salt samples are collected and tested volumetrically in IDD lab and10 samples of Urine from children of classes below 5th are collected for iodine analysis
MESSAGE TO MASSES THROUGH RADIO : Radio Jingle is broadcasted on 94.3FM and conveying the massages regarding various Iodine Deficiency Disorders and how we can prevent them.
SAUDIO AND VIDEO MESSAGE FROM GOI: Vidoes sent by GOI are displayed on LEDs and TVs in various hospitals under GMSH Sector 16 Chandigarh. Audio messages are shared in all whatsapp groups of health care workers for wider dissemination of the message.
SALT PACKETS FROM WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS: At least 25 salt packets of iodized salt meant for edible purpose are lifted from wholesalers and retailers for checking the quality of salt and to check for the quantity of Iodine in the salt during the month of October.
