Take It With A Pinch of Iodized Salt!

In several other countries, the reader may take this piece of news with a pinch of salt. 

Not in our country, where such things happen, thanks to unparalleled efficiency of our government machinery.   

After 26 years of its drafting, the Council of Ministers has finally approved the Iodized Salt Production and Distribution Act, 2055 (1998). at the initiation of Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, apparently after significant damage to public health resulting from excessive iodine intake, especially among children. 

Unearthing the reasons behind the delays, including possible pressures from vested interests, can be a good start for those interested in investigative reporting, right?  

Anyway, this move opens the legal path for the Ministry of Health and Population to address health issues arising from excessive iodine intake, particularly among children, as found in previous research.

Originally published in the Nepal Gazette on Magh 1, 2055 (January 15, 1999), the Act had remained unimplemented due to the lack of a formal notice from successive governments as well as relevant rules and directives. 

Notably, a 2016 micronutrient survey conducted by the health ministry revealed that the iodine level in the urine of children aged 6-9 years was 314 micrograms per liter, exceeding the recommended level of 300 micrograms per liter.

According to Leelavikram Thapa, head of the Nutrition Section under the Department of Health Services, this excessive intake has been linked with health problems such as high blood pressure and thyroid issues.