With 45 per cent adolescent girls and 30 per cent boys suffering from anemia and malnutrition due to lack of balanced diet and worm infestation, Punjab Health Department has launched a weekly Iron-Folic Acid Supplements Program in the State.
“Health Department has also taken steps to prevent side effects of IFA. Besides, the department is imparting the health education to both students and teachers to prevent anemia, mal-nutrition along with mid-day meal in all schools,” said Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Madan Mohan Mittal on Tuesday. 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.
“Emergency response medical teams have also been constituted in each hospital to deal with any emergency due to side effects of IFA. Children are screened for moderate and severe anemia and referred for free health treatment,” he added. Health director Dr Ashok Nayer said that according to the guidelines, IFA should not be taken on empty stomach but taken after meals. “Abdominal pain, vomiting or loose motion (diarrhea) are some side effects of IFA if taken empty stomach,” he added.
He said 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 Nayyar further said that according to National Population Health Survey-3 (NPHS), 56 per cent adolescent girls and 30 per cent adolescent boys are suffering from anemia in India. The 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 said adding that anemia could be prevented by taking IFA tablet regularly.