STATEWIDE drive to give IFA tablets to prevent anemia among adolescents: Mittal

Chandigarh, August  6, 2013: Punjab Health Department has launched a state wide drive to give iron-folic acid (IFA) tablets for preventing anemia among adolescents under weekly iron-folic acid supplements program in state.

Divulging this here today Madan Mohan Mittal, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Punjab said that health Department has also taken steps taken to prevent side effects of IFA. He said that Health Education is being imparted to both students and teachers to prevent anemia, mal-nutrition along with mid day meal in all schools.

Mittal said that to prevent side effects of these tablets, guidelines have been issued to all civil surgeons and Education Department has also been informed about these guidelines. He added that emergency response medical teams have been constituted in each hospital to deal with any emergency due to side effects of IFA. He added that children are screened for moderate and severe anemia and referred for free health treatment. 

Minister said that adolescents are given weekly IFA tablets i.e. 52 IFA tablets per year and two tablets of Albendazole at the interval of  6 month per year under WIFS Program by Health Department.

Dr. Ashok Nayer Director Health Punjab said that according to the guidelines, IFA should not be taken on empty stomach but they should be taken after taking meals. He said that Abdominal pain, vomiting or loose motion (diarrhea) are some side effects of IFA if taken empty stomach.

He added that students who are not provided with Mid day meal are instructed to bring their lunch from home on the day  IFA tablets are given and teachers are advised to make  sure to give IFA to students only after having meals.

Dr. Nayer said that according to National Population Health Survey -3 (NPHS),     56 % adolescents girls and 30% adolescent boys are suffering from anemia in India.  In Punjab, 45% adolescent girls and 30% boys are suffering from anemia & Mal-nutrition due to lack of balanced diet and worm infestation. He said that symptoms of Anemia are lethargic and irritable response of children and diminished concentration and poor learning ability. Children also have stunted growth and decreased capacity to work. He added that Anemia could be prevented by taking IFA tablet regularly.