ICDS plans to distribute nutri kit from Aug
The Nutri Kit will include one kilogram of desi ghee, 500 grams each of dates, jaggery, roasted chickpeas, roasted peanuts, and 100 grams of fox nuts or any other dry fruit.
Vasudev Malawat, Director ICDS said "Items provided in Nutri Kits were suggested by nutrition experts by verifying exact measurements and quality assurances before the kit is prepared for distribution. Target for distribution is set for next month." This kit will be given to a woman twice during her pregnancy. Around 2.35 lakh women will benefit from this scheme at a cost around Rs 25 crore. TNN
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
ICMR says Indians taking too much salt, launches study to address issue
Excessive salt consumption is fuelling a silent epidemic in India with people at increased risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney disorders, according to scientists from ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology. The scientists have initiated a community-led salt reduction study to address the issue and are focusing on low sodium salt substitutes. Higher levels of salt consumption than recommended While the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends less than 5 grams of salt per person per day, studies show that urban Indians consume around 9.2 grams/day, and even in rural areas it is around 5.6 grams/day - both higher than recommended. One promising tool in this effort is low-sodium salt substitutes -- blends where part of the sodium chloride is replaced with potassium or magnesium salts, Sharan Murali, a senior scientist at National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and principal investigator of the study, said. "Lesser sodium consumption helps reduce blood pressure and improves overall heart health, making low-sodium alternatives a meaningful switch, especially for those with hypertension," Dr Murali stated. "Just switching to low-sodium salt can lower blood pressure by 7/4 mmHg on average'a small change with a big impact," Dr Murali said. Salt consumption reduction projects To tackle the issue of high salt consumption, the NIE has launched a three-year intervention project in Punjab and Telangana, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of structured salt reduction counselling, delivered by health workers at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), in reducing blood pressure and sodium intake among individuals with hypertension, senior scientist at NIE, Dr Ganesh Kumar, who is also a part of the study, said.. "We are currently in the first year of the project, focused on baseline assessments and field preparations," Dr Kumar said. "Counselling materials are not yet finalised; rather, we aim to co-create the intervention package with the community health workers, drawing on their experiences and incorporating their suggestions. It's not just about delivering health education - it's about listening, understanding, and building together," Dr Murali said. To ensure interventions are grounded in reality, the NIE conducted a market survey across 300 retail outlets in Chennai to assess the availability and pricing of low-sodium salt (LSS). They found that LSS was available in only 28 per cent of retail outlets. It was seen in 52 per cent of supermarkets, but a dismal 4 per cent in small grocery shops. The price of LSS averaged Rs 5.6 per 100g, more than twice the price of normal iodised salt (Rs 2.7 per 100g). These findings highlight a critical supply-demand disconnect, Dr Murali said. "The lower demand for low sodium salt might be leading to its lower availability - it's a proxy indicator of awareness and access," noted Dr. Murali. To spark a public conversation around salt reduction, the NIE has also recently launched the #PinchForAChange campaign on Twitter and LinkedIn through ICMR-NIE. Using infographics, facts, and simple messages, the campaign aims to raise awareness about hidden salt sources, promote low-sodium alternatives, and empower individuals to make heart-healthy choices. "If successful, this project could lead to the integration of sustainable dietary counselling models into the existing public health system. It can bridge the gap between knowledge and action, improve health literacy, and ultimately reduce the burden of hypertension-related diseases. "This is not just about reducing salt. It's about restoring balance in our diets, our systems, and our hearts. Together, one pinch at a time, we can create lasting change," Dr Murali added.
Economic Times
4 hours ago
- Economic Times
Cipla eyes entry into India's weight management market amid rising demand and global competition
Synopsis Cipla is set to enter India's weight management market, addressing the increasing demand for obesity solutions, while also strengthening its central nervous system portfolio through strategic in-licensing deals and acquisitions, particularly in ADHD and Parkinson's disease. The company is also focusing on innovation-led solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance and aims to be a global, patient-centric healthcare leader. Agencies Representative image Drug major Cipla is preparing to foray into the weight management segment in India, its MD and global CEO Umang Vohra has Mumbai-based firm is also strengthening its presence in the central nervous system (CNS) therapeutic area, he stated in his address to shareholders in the company's Annual Report for 2024-25."Our efforts are rooted in understanding patient needs, reducing stigma, and delivering differentiated therapies for niche is emerging as a priority area for Cipla. With a clear strategic intent, we are preparing to enter the weight management segment in India, aiming to address the rising demand for effective obesity solutions," Vohra domestic drug firms are developing drugs for weight loss to capitalise on the growing market for obesity and diabetes drugmaker Eli Lilly & Co has already launched its anti-obesity drug Mounjaro in the country. Danish firm Novo Nordisk has also launched its anti-obesity drug Wegovy, indicated for both long-term chronic weight management and reduction in risk of major adverse cardiovascular the CNS segment, Cipla has successfully in-licensed Sanofi's India CNS product range, including Frisium, a leading brand in the anti-epileptic category, Vohra informed shareholders."Building on this momentum, we aim to pursue similar in-licensing deals or acquisitions in niche indications of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson's disease," he company is equally committed to addressing the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), he added."Our AMR portfolio is evolving from volume-based to innovation-led, with four novel products in development," Vohra noted that the company's ambition is to be a global, innovation-led, patient-centric healthcare company that creates long-term value through science, empathy, and sustainability."We will continue to invest in big brands, strategic alliances, digital infrastructure, and next-generation therapies, while remaining rooted in our founding values of care and compassion," Vohra stated. Cipla's consolidated revenue stood at Rs 27,548 crore in FY25. Its consolidated net profit rose to Rs 5,272 crore during the period.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
ICMR says Indians taking too much salt, launches study to address issue
New Delhi: Excessive salt consumption is fuelling a silent epidemic in India with people at increased risk of hypertension , stroke, heart disease , and kidney disorders, according to scientists from ICMR 's National Institute of Epidemiology . The scientists have initiated a community-led salt reduction study to address the issue and are focusing on low sodium salt substitutes . While the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends less than 5 grams of salt per person per day, studies show that urban Indians consume around 9.2 grams/day, and even in rural areas it is around 5.6 grams/day - both higher than recommended. One promising tool in this effort is low-sodium salt substitutes -- blends where part of the sodium chloride is replaced with potassium or magnesium salts, Dr Sharan Murali, a senior scientist at National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and principal investigator of the study, said. "Lesser sodium consumption helps reduce blood pressure and improves overall heart health, making low-sodium alternatives a meaningful switch, especially for those with hypertension," Dr Murali stated. "Just switching to low-sodium salt can lower blood pressure by 7/4 mmHg on average' a small change with a big impact," Dr Murali said. To tackle the issue of high salt consumption, the NIE has launched a three-year intervention project in Punjab and Telangana, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of structured salt reduction counselling, delivered by health workers at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), in reducing blood pressure and sodium intake among individuals with hypertension, senior scientist at NIE, Dr Ganesh Kumar, who is also a part of the study, said.. "We are currently in the first year of the project, focused on baseline assessments and field preparations," Dr Kumar said. "Counselling materials are not yet finalised; rather, we aim to co-create the intervention package with the community health workers, drawing on their experiences and incorporating their suggestions. It's not just about delivering health education - it's about listening, understanding, and building together," Dr Murali said. To ensure interventions are grounded in reality, the NIE conducted a market survey across 300 retail outlets in Chennai to assess the availability and pricing of low-sodium salt (LSS). They found that LSS was available in only 28 per cent of retail outlets. It was seen in 52 per cent of supermarkets, but a dismal 4 per cent in small grocery shops. The price of LSS averaged Rs 5.6 per 100g, more than twice the price of normal iodised salt (Rs 2.7 per 100g). These findings highlight a critical supply-demand disconnect, Dr Murali said. "The lower demand for low sodium salt might be leading to its lower availability - it's a proxy indicator of awareness and access," noted Dr. Murali. To spark a public conversation around salt reduction, the NIE has also recently launched the #PinchForAChange campaign on Twitter and LinkedIn through ICMR-NIE. Using infographics, facts, and simple messages, the campaign aims to raise awareness about hidden salt sources, promote low-sodium alternatives, and empower individuals to make heart-healthy choices. "If successful, this project could lead to the integration of sustainable dietary counselling models into the existing public health system. It can bridge the gap between knowledge and action, improve health literacy, and ultimately reduce the burden of hypertension-related diseases. "This is not just about reducing salt. It's about restoring balance in our diets, our systems, and our hearts. Together, one pinch at a time, we can create lasting change," Dr Murali added. PTI
