Abstract

Umesh Kapil

In India, Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) are present throughout the country. Out of 282 districts surveyed by Government of India institutions like Indian Council of Medical Research and Central Goiter Survey Teams in different States and Union Territories, 241 have been found to be endemic for iodine deficiency disorders. Issues relating to the safety of Universal Salt Iodization were carefully examined by eminent Scientists, Programme Managers and Administrators and based on hard scientific evidences, the Government of India implemented a policy decision, in 1984, for Universal Salt Iodization (USI ) that is, all edible salt in the country should be fortified with iodine. This became the mandate for the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme. The present research communication reviews the history of iodine deficiency disorders, progress of achieved under USI, safety of iodized salt and impact of this intervention on the iodine status of Indian population.