New twist to controversy over non-iodised salt

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, OCT. 21. The controversy over lifting of the ban on consumption of non-iodised salt has taken a new turn with the Centre acknowledging that the country was faced with a major health problem on account of inadequate intake of iodine among a large section of the population and that iodated salt was the ``most effective, economic and inexpensive'' way to control the problem.

The Union Health Minister, Dr. C. P. Thakur, has conceded that more than 20 crore people were at the risk of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs), and that the problem exists in all States and Union Territories, though to varying degrees. In a message on the occasion of the Global Iodine Deficiency Day, which was observed today, he said that IDDs were ``one of the major public health problems of today'' and that iodated salt had a ``crucial'' role in safeguarding the physical and mental health of the people.

Dr. Thakur's statement assumes importance as it could give a fresh lease of life to the debate between health experts and sarvodaya leaders and swadeshi activists, on the Government's role in solving health problems.

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Section  : National
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