Children who use iodised salt improve their IQ 13 points more than the children that consume un-iodized salt, Director General Health Services (DGHS) Punjab, Dr Aslam Chaudhry said here on Saturday. While inaugurating the 'Best Salt Processor Award Ceremony' under IDD/USI Programme here, Dr Aslam said the companies producing iodised salt were serving the humanity through elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.
The function was organised jointly by the Micronutrient Initiative and Punjab Health Department to acknowledge the services of salt processors that exhibited excellent commitment and sincerity in the adequate iodination of 100 percent of edible salt processed in 2010.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Aslam Chaudhry, said the winners have been selected through a meticulous scrutiny process from over 1000 salt processors working in the Punjab province. Dr Tausif Akhtar Janjua, NPM IDD/USI informed the participants that USIP has been extended to all 36 districts of Punjab province. 'More than 90 million people are benefiting from adequate iodination 100 percent of edible salt,' he said.
During 2010, salt processors in Punjab produced more than 264,190 MT of adequately iodised salt which catered not only needs of people living in Punjab but also of other provinces of Pakistan, he said. Dr Mahmood Ahmad, Programme Manager F&N appreciated the role of Micronutrient Initiative in providing technical and financial assistance to the Health Department and supporting efforts of Punjab Government in making Pakistan an IDD free country. National Foods Muridke triumphed consecutively for the 2nd time as the paramount iodised salt processor of the year by winning the best Salt Processor award for 2010.