Public lecture on “Rice Fortification” organised by Department of Hematology PGIMER in collaboration with UN World Food Program
“Anemia is a major issue especially among women and children”‘ Dr Pankaj Malhotra
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A Public lecture on ‘Rice Fortification’ was organized under the Technical Support Unit by the Department of Hematology at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh in collaboration with United Nations World Food Program (WFP) on 20th February, 2024.
Dr. Reena Das, Prof and Head, Department of Hematology, PGIMER, Chandigarh welcomed the guest and participants. The Chief Guest was Dr. Anita Kharab, Joint Director, Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Government of Haryana. The Guest of Honor was Dr. Sunidhi Karol, Program Officer under Anemia Programme and Nodal Officer for Aspirational District, Government of Haryana. Dr. Sunidhi highlighted the increasing prevalence of anemia among the women and children and all the programs by the GoI under the safety net programs. Dr. Shariqua Yunus, Head of Unit & Programme Officer (Health and Nutrition), World Food Programme for gave a lecture on Fortification of Rice in India. She mentioned that fortification is only the way to combat anemia and micronutrient deficiencies. Dr. Reena Das elaborated that this academic public lecture is their first Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) activity on Rice Fortification which aims to make our medical fraternity aware as well as to involve and engage them in community awareness activities. This initiative is for tackling micronutrient deficiencies and anemia in the vulnerable populations since anemia falls under the severe public health problem. She also discussed the safety of iron fortified rice among Patients with Hemoglobinopathies. Ms. Prepsa Saini, Senior Programme Associate from WFP gave a presentation on the importance of the steps of preparation of the fortified rice kernals and the Status of Haryana Fortification of Rice – Myths & Misconceptions in India. Dr Pankaj Malhotra, Head of Department of Clinical Hematology and Medical Oncology from PGIMER told the participants that anemia is a major issue especially among women and children. He mentioned that it is necessary to get your hemoglobin checked regularly and take the appropriate therapy so that morbidity can be reduced. The program was concluded by a vote of thanks on behalf of the department and institute by Dr. Praveen Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology, PGIMER, Chandigarh.
