Kathmandu, June 20 :

Shiv Shanker Mukherjee, Indian ambassador to Nepal, today inaugurated the ‘control of goitre and iodine deficiency disorder programme’ being executed by the Salt Trading Corporation Ltd.

Addressing the programme, Mukherjee said that Indian assistance in the control of goitre and iodine deficiency disorder is one of the oldest and most successful programmes. He also said that the government of India’s assistance is focused on the areas of health, education and infrastructure development.

Mukherjee also informed that the government of India is implementing 190 projects in over sixty districts of Nepal.

The control of goitre and iodine deficiency disorder programme was first launched in 1973 and continued till 1998. However, it was stopped for the last seven years and only last month, India agreed to provide a grant assistance of Rs 116 million for the same programme again.

The bilateral cooperation for 25 years in the field of goitre control through supplying supplementary iodine in salt has resulted in eradication of visible goitre from Nepal. The programme has made a significant progress in the fight against goitre, especially in remote and hilly areas. The programme has also encouraged increased consumption of iodised granular salt amongst Nepal’s population, adds the release.

Kamal Mani Dixit, chairman and Parmeshwar Mahaseth, chief executive officer of STCL lauded the Indian assistance, which has played a vital role in controlling goitre in Nepal.