Pune faces severe iron-folic acid supplement shortage

Pune is facing a significant shortage of Iron Folic Acid (IFA) supplements, impacting the health of many residents. This shortage has been ongoing for five months and is disrupting the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) program, which aims to reduce anaemia in vulnerable groups. The shortage affects young children, adolescents, pregnant women, and women of reproductive age. Health officials have expressed concern about the implications of this crisis. A senior health official from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) revealed that the stock of IFA supplements is running low. They have only a limited supply of IFA Blue for beneficiaries aged 10 to 19. Meanwhile, there has been no supply for other age groups during this period. During a recent video conference, the public health department urged PMC to start sourcing IFA supplements locally until state government supplies are available. Experts warn that the ongoing shortage could increase anaemia cases among at-risk populations. Parents are facing difficulties due to the unavailability of these essential supplements. One mother, Sneha Patil, shared that she has had to buy iron folic acid tablets from private pharmacies, which is costly for her family. The Anaemia Mukt Bharat initiative includes iron supplementation, deworming, and dietary changes. However, the disruption in the supply chain raises concerns about the program's effectiveness in Pune. Dr. Nina Borade, the chief of health at PMC, stated that they are working on a local procurement plan to address the shortage and are seeking faster deliveries from the state government. She assured that the issue will be resolved soon, as the population in Pune has grown, leading to more beneficiaries needing these supplements.