(a) whether a large number of school children reportedly fell ill after consuming
folic acid/iron pills in various parts of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the number of children shown adverse effects
after consuming iron pills along with the reasons therefor, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether any inquiry has been conducted in this regard;
(d) if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and
(e) the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a): State level data has shown that 0.02% of adolescent had minor side-effects of IFA supplementation.
(b): State-wise data of number of adolescents reporting side-effects after IFA tablet consumption is annexed.
As the elemental iron is known to cause gastric irritation, minor side-effects such as nausea, stomach- ache and vomiting are expected. However, these side-effects are of short duration and subside as body becomes used to iron supplement intake. The incidence of IFA supplementation side-effects (0.02%) reported under WIFS programme is within the expected range.
(c): State governments have been requested to enquire into the side effects and have been advised to adhere to the IFA supplementation protocols.
(d): State reports have shown that IFA supplementation protocols were adhered to and there were no programmatic errors
(e): Measures undertaken by this ministry:
# National level Expert group meeting conducted to deliberate upon and review the matter
# Advisory to States in order to reinforce adherence to Weekly Iron and Folic Acid supplementation programme guidelines.
# Standardized Side-effects investigation protocol developed to ensure monitoring, appropriate action and follow up by states in such cases.