PGIMER’s awareness drive aims to combat anemia, micronutrient deficiencies

A public lecture on ‘Rice Fortification’ was organised by the Department of Hematology at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday.
Dr. Reena Das, Professor and Head of the Department of Hematology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, welcomed the guest and participants. The Chief Guest for the event was Dr. Anita Kharab, Joint Director of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Government of Haryana. The Guest of Honor was Dr. Sunidhi Karol, Program Officer under the Anemia Programme and Nodal Officer for Aspirational District, Government of Haryana.

During the lecture, Dr. Sunidhi highlighted the increasing prevalence of anemia among women and children and discussed the various programs by the Government of India (GoI) under safety net programs. Dr. Shariqua Yunus, Head of Unit & Program Officer (Health and Nutrition) at the World Food Programme, gave a lecture on the fortification of rice in India, emphasizing that fortification is crucial to combat anemia and micronutrient deficiencies.
Dr. Reena Das explained that the academic public lecture is the first Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) activity on Rice Fortification. It aims to make the medical fraternity aware and engage them in community awareness activities to address micronutrient deficiencies and anemia in vulnerable populations. Ms. Prepsa Saini, Senior Programme Associate from WFP, presented on the importance of the steps in the preparation of fortified rice kernels and discussed the status of Haryana’s fortification of rice, dispelling myths and misconceptions in India.

Dr. Pankaj Malhotra, Head of the Department of Clinical Hematology and Medical Oncology at PGIMER, emphasized that anemia is a major issue, especially among women and children. Regular hemoglobin checks and appropriate therapy are necessary to reduce morbidity.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks on behalf of the department and institute by Dr. Praveen Sharma, Assistant Professor in the Department of Hematology at PGIMER, Chandigarh.