The iron tablets that made children sick after consuming them has sent a wave of shock in Uttarakhand. However, State Health Department claimed that consumption of the iron tablets is completely safe. Health officials stressed that the consumption of the iron tablets is mandatory to overcome the problem of anemia.
Three days after the National Rural Health Mission (Haryana) re-launched its WIPS (Weekly Iron Supplements Programme) in Gurgaon (Haryana), 163 children from various Government schools reportedly fell ill. The same case was reported in Bihar early this month.
The sickness of the school children also made the State Health Department for ensuring the correct and timely distribution of the iron tablets under National Rural Health Mission. It is to be noted that the School Health Programme is being implemented in the State from the financial year 2010-11.
This programme is being run in the State in convergence with education department. There are 38 school health teams functional in the State for the health examination of the school children. Each Primary and Upper Primary Government school targeted for health examination activity.
After stressing on the need of iron tablets especially by adolescent girls, Dr SD Joshi, senior physician, Doon Hospital said that these tablets contribute to overcome the problem of anemia in the human body. Since adolescent girls are more prone to fall into the clutches of anemia, it is advisable to consume these tablets under the supervision of registered medical practitioners.
Dr Joshi said that the treatment for iron deficiency anaemia usually involves taking iron supplements to replace missing iron and making necessary changes to address the underlying cause. Among the minor side effects after consuming iron tablets are nausea, sickness, abdominal pain heartburn, constipation, diarrhoea, etc. but it is absolutely normal.
He also stressed that consumption of iron-rich foods which include dark-green leafy vegetables, such as watercress and curly kale, iron-fortified cereals, whole grains, beans, nuts, apricots, prunes, raisins etc. is the best way to overcome the problem of iron deficiency in the human body, whereas some foods and medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb iron which are tea and coffee, calcium, antacids (medication to help relieve indigestion).
After stressing that the consumption of the iron tablets are completely safe, Dr GS Joshi, Director, Health, Medical and Family Welfare department said that the nodal teacher of each targeted school has been identified. Orientation training of nodal teachers regarding health examination activity has been done in all districts.
Dr Joshi said that distribution of the iron tablets among the school children is being done under the strict supervision of the Chief Medical Officers of all the 13 districts of Uttarakhand. Dr Joshi warned that consumption of iron tablets with empty stomach should be strictly avoided to face any side effects.