Mysore/Mysuru: Dr. M.R. Udaykumar, Divisional Joint Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare, has said that the anaemic level is little high in Udupi and Kodagu districts in Mysuru Division whereas it was normal in other districts.

He was speaking after inaugurating two-day Divisional-level ‘Anaemia Free India’ programme  for officials of Child Development and Health organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare here on Tuesday.

Udaykumar said around 1.9 billion people all over the world are anaemic. This would impact on physical strength of people as well as cause slow learning and other health issues. Anaemia hits mainly pregnant and lactating mothers as well as hinders child’s physical growth. There was a need to protect children from anaemia, he added.

Prasad, Divisional Deputy Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare, said that the Government of India, in a bid to protect children from anaemia, distribute de-worming capsules twice a year and also give them iron and folic acid tablets to protect them from malnutrition. Health staff had to watch the haemoglobin level in pregnant women especially during 7th month to 9th month and injection is given if the level was less than eight. 

K. Padma, Deputy Director, Department of Women and Child Development, regretted that ladies have failed to understand the seriousness of anaemia. They will go to doctor only if they are ill. However, women would not take doctor’s suggestion on haemoglobin deficiency. Around 3 percent to 4 percent of pregnant and lactating women suffer from anaemia mainly due to not eating nutritious food and lack of knowledge. Need of the hour was to educate women in this regard in order to save them from anaemia, she added.

Dr. T. Amarnath, DHO, Dr. H.K. Ramachandra, Divisional Joint Deputy Director, Dr. Mahendra from Regional Health and Family Welfare Training Centre, Advisors Dr. Shankarappa and Abid Ahmed, Resource Persons K. Vishwanath and Manoj Sebastian, were present.