Question : Iodine Deficiency Disorder

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the entire population in India is prone to Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) due to deficiency of iodine in the soil of the subcontinent and consequently the food derived from it, if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to control IDD in the country;

(b) whether Thyroid disorders are on the rise in the country with approximately 1 in 10 adult women suffer from hypothyroidism, if so, the details of the States which are highly affected by thyroid disorder;

(c) whether many of the women patient of thyroid/ arthritis are not able to get good treatment due to shortage of trained endocrinologist in Government hospitals;

(d) if so, the reasons for shortage of trained endocrinologist in the country and the steps taken to appoint more endocrinologists in Government hospitals; and

(e) whether the Government proposes to include Thyroid in the National Health Programme and provide financial assistance to such needy patients and if so, the details thereof and other measures being taken to promote affordable treatment of thyroid to young girl and women in urban and rural areas and control thyroid disease?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a): National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) is being implemented in all the States/UTs for entire population with the goals to bring the prevalence of IDD to below 5% in the country and to ensure 100% consumption of adequately iodated salt (15ppm) at the household level. Financial assistance is also provided to all States/UTs for establishment of Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Cell and IDD Monitoring Laboratory, conducting District IDD Surveys/ Resurveys, health education and publicity to create awareness about IDD, promoting consumption of adequately iodated salt and monitoring of Iodine content of salt through salt testing kits at the household/community level.
(b) to (e): A study on prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women from various States/cities across India demonstrated that 13.3% have hypothyroidism majority being subclinical. City/State wise percent prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women in this study is annexed.
Findings of this study are consistent with other previously reported data of our country which show that there is a rising trend of hypothyroidism among pregnant women in India.
Women patients of thyroid/arthritis are routinely provided treatment at thyroid & arthritis clinic in tertiary level government hospitals by physicians and endocrinologists (wherever available). Shortage of endocrinologist is addressed through contractual appointments against vacant posts so that the services are continued unhindered.
Treatment for hypothyroidism is provided, including to young girls and children, free of cost in all public health facilities.
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