Iodine deficiency disorder affects mental growth of children and they become dull minded while it creates gynaecological complications, which results in abortion and other problems. The Director General Health, Dr Muhammad Aslam Chaudhry, stated this while addressing awards ceremony of Iodine Salt Processors, here on Friday.
He said that government has introduced iodised salt programme successfully with the co-operation of Micro nutrients Initiatives (MI) in 20 districts of the province under Pure Food Rules and this programme would be expended in the remaining 16 district till June 2009 in the current year.
National Programme Officer Dr Tauseef Janjua informed that Health Department Punjab and MI with the collaboration of salt processors (salt industries) launched this programme and now 80 percent edible salt prepared in Punjab is iodised, which will help control mental weakness, Goitre and abortion of pregnant women.
He appealed to the people to use only iodised salt in their food. He said that iodised salt is being used in most of the countries. He said that government has registered district-wise salt processors throughout the province. On this occasion, five owners of salt processors were awarded shields and net cash.
Sarfraz Ahmad Aulakh of Sheikhupura achieved first prize, Zulfiqar Ali of Khanewal and Pir Mehdi Shah of Khushab got second and third position, respectively whereas special encouragement award was given to Fida Hussain of Rawalpindi and Haji Farooq Ahmad of Lahore.