No need to panic over side effects of iron pills: Azad

Seeking to allay panic over iron and folic acid supplements given in government schools under Central scheme, Health Minister Gulam Nabi Azad today said health problems reported by students are initial side-effects of the medicine that may not last more than a few hours.
"There were reports about some students feeling sick after taking the pills, but there is no need to panic. Such initial side effects are felt on taking the pills first time, and may not last more than 2-3 hours," Gulam said here.
Nearly 1,000 students, many of them girls, were taken ill after consuming iron tablets in government schools in several districts of Haryana during the past few of days.

On July 18, Twenty-one students were admitted to hospitals and 200 others complained of illness after they were allegedly given folic acid and iron supplements at Delhi-government-run schools under a newly launched Central scheme.
Speaking here after launching the scheme in Rajasthan, Azad emphasised on certain precautions before consuming the pill. He said that the pills should neither be chewed, nor be taken empty stomach.
"There is a need to create awareness about this," he said while asking the state government to ensure teachers, doctors and nurses spreading awareness among students and parents.

He said the scheme is crucial for dealing with the challenge of Anaemia, which is rampant particularly among women.

"Anaemia is a big health problem in India, particularly among women. We are not in a good position globally on this side so the government launched this scheme to improve the situation," he said.
Rajasthan health minister A A Khan said as many as 44 lakh students in 34,164 government schools, where free iron folic acid pills will be provided weekly under the scheme.