Indian assistance of nrs.116 million for control of goitre and iodine deficiency disorders in Nepal

Indo-Nepal cooperation in health care was strengthened with the launching of the programme for control of Goitre and Iodine Deficiency Disorders in Nepal by the Ambassador of India today. Government of India has been associated with the Goitre Control Programme in Nepal since 1973. Total assistance from 1973-2005 has been NRs.516.88 million for (a) setting up of iodization plant, (b) cost of iodization, (c) subsidy for transportation of salt to inaccessible areas of Nepal, (d) subsidy for packing, stamping and labelling of bags, (e) construction of warehouses for storage of salt. Goitre Control Programme has spread in all the districts in Nepal during past 25 years. The striking success of the programme in eradication of visible goitre in Nepal and in change of salt consumption habits amongst people has encouraged Government of India to continue its grant assistance. A tripartite agreement was signed on May 23, 2006 between Government of India, Government of Nepal and Salt Trading Corporation Ltd. (STC) of Nepal for ssgrant assistance of NRs.116 million for control of Goitre and Iodine Deficiency Disorders in Nepal during the year 2006-07.

The programme is being implemented by Salt Trading Corporation of Nepal. Cooperation in health has resulted in eradication of visible Goitre in Nepal. The programme will benefit the people of all the 75 districts in Nepal. This is another landmark in the close and continuous cooperation between two countries. At present Government of India is cooperating in 139 projects in 61 districts with an outlay of NRs.1800 crore in the fields of health, education and infrastructure.