(a) whether the Government has taken note that a large number of women in the
country suffer from anaemia;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/ UT-wise and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government for effective check and control of incidence of
anaemia among women in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE(SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY)
(a) & (b): As per the National Family Health Survey report-III (2005-06) the prevalence of
anaemia among ever married women (15-49 years) in the country is 55.3 %. State-wise details
are annexed.
The important contributing factors for anaemia among the poulation including wormen in our
country are: (i) inadequate intake of dietary iron, (ii) inadequate absorption of iron from
cereal based diets, (iii) frequent pregnancies with shorter intervals, (iv) high prevalence of
infections and infestations,(v) faulty feeding practices, (vi) lack of dietary
diversification, (vii) illiteracy, (viii) poverty, (ix) socio-economic conditions,
and (x) poor hygienic conditions etc.
(c) Specific measures are being taken to prevent and combat anaemia by supplementation of
Iron and folic acid to pregnant and lactating women. Iron and Folic acid tablets are being
distributed through Sub-centers and Primary Health Centers to targeted population viz. Pregnant
women, lactating women, family planning acceptors. Under this programme, every pregnant woman
is given 100 mg of elemental iron and 0.5 mg of Folic Acid for at least 100 days. Pregnant
women who are anaemic are given an additional 100 tablets.