Which of the following is the single most cost-effective public health measure for prevention of endemic goiter and iodine deficiency disorders in India?
- A Iodized oil injection every 5 years
- B Daily potassium iodide tablets in school children
- C Universal salt iodization ✓
- D Iodized water supply
Correct answer: C. Universal salt iodization
Explanation
Universal salt iodization is the recommended long term strategy because salt is consumed uniformly by all sections of the population throughout the year, and iodine loss from properly packaged iodized salt is minimal. Iodized oil injections or oral doses are reserved for inaccessible areas with severe deficiency where salt iodization cannot be implemented immediately.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.