NATIONAL IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDER CONTROL PROGRAM (NIDDCP)
The
programme was initially called as "Goitre Control Programme" and was renamed
by Govt. of India in 1992 as NIDDCP.
The programme is monitored by the Deputy
Director Health Services situated in the Directorate of Health Services, Mumbai.
OBJECTIVES
Surveillance of Goitre cases
Supply of iodized salt in place of common salt.
Monitoring through analysis of salt and urine samples.
Assessment of impact of control measures over a period of time.
Iodine deficiency results in
Goittre
Physical and mental retardation
Dwarfism
Cretenism
Deafmutism
Frequent abortions, still births in pregnant mothers
At present 17 districts have been declared
endemic and supply of iodized salt is made compulsory in these districts. Four survey teams
have been sanctioned for conducting sample surveys in various districts. The
initial surveys have shown more than 20% prevalence in 9 districts and more than
10% prevalence in 19 districts.
Quality of iodized salt is monitored at
regular intervals. To monitor regular intake of iodized salt by people in ITDP blocks, estimation of
urinary iodine levels has been initiated at the State Public Health Laboratory,
Pune since the year 1996-97.
Current Status
The State Govt. appointed a high level
committee and as per recommendations, the consumption of common salt was
banned from 1st May 1998. However the order was stayed by the Nagpur High Court
on 17th September 1998 and final orders are awaited.
