Mysuru: In a determined move to combat anaemia, Mysuru district health authorities have intensified efforts under the Muktha Poushtika Karnataka initiative. As per the National Family Health Survey-5, nearly 59% of children under five and 48% of pregnant women in the district are affected by anaemia.
To tackle this, the departments of health, education, and women and child development are working together to ensure full coverage for treatment and prevention. The focus is on reaching every affected individual in both urban and rural regions, with special attention to children, adolescents, and women.
Health check-ups will be conducted in government and private schools by specialist doctors. Children diagnosed with anaemia will receive on-the-spot medication, counselling, and nutritional supplements. The goal is to raise awareness of symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, poor concentration, and slow development, often seen in anaemic children.
So far, 34,510 pregnant women have been screened — of which 284 were severely anaemic, and 1,731 had mild to moderate anaemia. Treatment is ongoing at district, taluk, and primary health centres, depending on severity.
From June, after schools reopen, authorities will screen 2.2 lakh students from 2,493 schools (Classes 1–10) across the district. Iron and folic acid tablets, along with nutritional kits, will be provided to anaemic students under government health schemes.
Dr PC Kumaraswamy, District Health Officer, stated that changing lifestyles are a major contributor. He emphasized treatment, nutritional awareness, and healthy eating habits as key to making Mysuru anaemia-free.
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