Indian ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae handed over a cheque of NRs.17.25 million as an advance payment out of total Indian government’s assistance of NRs.69 million to the Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Supplies to launch Iodine Deficiency Disorders Program (IDDCP), being implemented with Indian government’s grant assistance in Nepal. 

The IDDC Program was earlier known as Goitre Control Program. The MoU for the financial assistance was signed on August 3, 2014 during the visit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Government of India has supported the Goitre Control Program of Government of Nepal since 1973. Government of India had provided grant assistance of NRs.686 million to M/s Salt Trading Corporation of Nepal for the control of Goitre and other iodine deficiency disorders in Nepal during 1973-1998, 2004-07, and 2009-14 in the form of subsidy for re-iodization of salt, packing, transportation, and advocacy.

According to a press release of Indian Embassy, impact study of the program commissioned by Government of India indicated that the program for control of Goitre and other Iodine Deficiency Disorders has almost eradicated visible Goitre and reduced the incidence of other iodine deficiency disorders in Nepal. The population in all the 75 Districts in Nepal has benefited from this program.

The Health sector, critical for national development, is one of the core areas of cooperation between India and Nepal. In addition to supply of medicines and medical equipments, India-Nepal cooperation in this sector includes construction and development of   health infrastructure ranging from major hospitals to numerous health projects, even in the farthest corners of Nepal. 

Most recently Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the Nepal-Bharat Maitri National Trauma Centre to Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.

Government of India’s assistance towards Iodine Deficiency Disorders Program (IDDCP) is a part of the India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Program which has an outlay of over NRs.75 billion with more than 500 large and small development projects completed or currently being implemented in almost all the districts of Nepal.  These projects have been undertaken in response to local needs and in partnership with the Government of Nepal.