Govt to produce iodised salt

THE Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition Nimal Siripala de Silva says that steps have been taken by the Health Ministry in collaboration with the International Council for the eradication of iodine related complications, to launch a project to add iodine into salt at the Saltern itself, with a view to bring a halt for artificial colouring of salt by several institutions and selling same as iodised salt.

The Minister expressed these views at a press conference held for media awareness, at the Ministry Auditorium on complications relating to iodine deficiency.

Recent surveys conducted by the Ministry of Health revealed the gradual rising of complications relating to iodine deficiency which usually causes diseases in Thyroid gland, improper development of brain of children etc.

Iodine deficiency is the existing and preventable factor for the mental retardness and destruction of cerebral cells of human beings. About 15 billion or 1/3 of world population live in areas where iodine deficiency exists.

According to recent statistics about 172 million people are having goitre and at the same time about 600 million people are at the risk of destroying the cerebral cells.

Annual consumption of salt in Sri Lanka is 75,000 tons and it is identified the mixing of iodine in to salt is the best method to provide iodine.

In consideration of these facts the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the International Council for eradication of iodine related complications has taken steps to launch a programme.

In addition action is taken to mix iodine to the salt at the Saltern itself while financial assistance required for buildings, machineries and also for iodine is provided by the Asian Zonal office of the International Council and Micro Nutrition Access Project, said Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

Accordingly action has been taken to provide Rs. 60 million for the Hambantota saltern and Rs. 20 million for Puttalam saltern.