VIJAYAWADA: Krishna district is aiming to become an anaemia free district by January 2018. The district administration set the target by implementing certain measures in welfare hostels, colleges, Anganwadi centers etc. The district officials are especially targeting pregnant women and making sure that they do not fall prey to anaemia.As of now, officials identified the total number of pregnant women, lactating women and adolescent girls from welfare hostels, who were divided into four categories based on their haemoglobin levels.
Thorough checkups are being undertaken across the State. Nearly 80,000 women in the district have been identified who have anaemia with different levels of haemoglobin. Of them, 7,870 women were identified to be having hemoglobin between 8-10 per cent. All these women were administered iron folic acid tablets to improve their haemoglobin level.As part of Anna Amrutha hastam programme, all the pregnant and lactating women are given a nutritious meal with enough proteins and health drinks. Through this programme, the district administration is trying to control maternal deaths and also fight against anaemia.
Krishna district is registering more anaemia cases, due to the change in lifestyle. Doctors cite that some types of anaemia can be managed with a healthy, balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin C.
“Following a balanced diet is the key medicine for any kind of disease, especially anaemia, which is usually controlled with proper diet consisting of the essential nutrients. This helps the body to absorb iron which helps in fighting anaemia.
Vegetarians should have periodic blood tests and discuss the need for supplements with their doctors. The change in lifestyle and the working conditions are leading to such kind of disorders and everyone must pay attention towards the food they are consuming,” said Dr. N Gowtham Prasad, a general physician.
Krishna district collector B Lakshmikantham said the district administration is aiming to achieve an anaemia-free district by January 2018. “We are taking all kind of steps and conducting awareness camps and counselling. We are also visiting welfare hostels and conducting medical checkups. We want every women in the district to be healthy and see that none of them suffers from anaemia, “ he added.