Agartala, 3rd November 2026 : An awareness programme was organised by Ompi Community Health Centre (CHC) at Nagrai Mission English Medium School under Ampi Nagar Block in Gomati district on Tuesday to mark Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day.
Medical officers, healthcare personnel, teachers, students and local residents attended the programme and actively participated in discussions on the importance of iodine in maintaining good health and preventing iodine deficiency disorders.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Siddhartha Debbarma highlighted the vital role of iodine in human growth, development and overall health. He explained that iodine is an essential mineral required by the thyroid gland to produce hormones such as T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which regulate the body’s metabolism and energy utilisation.
He further emphasised that adequate iodine intake is crucial for proper brain development, particularly among children and unborn babies. It also supports normal physical growth, regulates body temperature and helps prevent goitre, a condition characterised by enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Dr Debbarma also explained the major dietary sources of iodine, including iodised salt, marine fish, seafood, milk and other dairy products, eggs and seaweed. He cautioned that iodine deficiency can lead to several health complications, including goitre, hypothyroidism, fatigue, weakness, impaired growth among children and poor brain development in infants.
Stressing the importance of preventive measures, he advised people to ensure the regular consumption of adequately iodised salt in their daily diets to maintain healthy thyroid function, normal metabolism and proper physical and mental development.
Among those present at the programme were Mana Shil, Rakesh Shil, Ompi CHC staff members and several other participants. The initiative aimed to strengthen public awareness about iodine deficiency and encourage healthy dietary practices among local communities.
