Over 71 million people suffering from goitre: Government

NEW DELHI: More than 71 million people in the country are suffering from goitre and other iodine- deficiency disorders, Health Minister JP Nadda said today.

In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Nadda said the government plans to bring down the prevalence of IDD to below five per cent in the country by 2017 and to ensure 100 per cent consumption of adequately iodated salt at the household level.

"In order to prevent and control IDD, government is implementing centrally-assisted National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme in the country under National Health Mission for the entire population," the minsiter said.

There has been a significant reduction in goitre prevalence in all the states. As per the National Family Health Survey-III (2005-06) and Coverage Evaluation Survey (CES) Report, 2009, the consumption of adequately iodated salt has significantly increased at community level, he said.