India is facing a silent but serious health challenge of Vitamin D deficiency, according to a report on Monday that urged the government to tackle the lack of the sunshine vitamin in one in every five Indians.The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), along with the ANVKA Foundation, submitted two key policy briefs elaborating a national roadmap to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), and an action plan specific to Delhi.
The suggestions are based on a recently released study, which highlighted that Vitamin D deficiency has become a public health concern in India and is affecting people across regions, age groups, and income levels.
âOur recommendations focus on practical steps that can be implemented right away, using existing health networks, local partnerships, and awareness campaigns,â said Dr. Arpita Mukherjee, Professor at ICRIER and lead author of the reports.
The recommendations include launching a âVitamin D Kuposhan Mukt Bharatâ campaign, on the lines of âAnaemia Mukt Bharatâ, to spread awareness, promote sunlight exposure, encourage fortified foods, and make testing and supplements affordable.
The report urged the government to launch a ânationwide awareness campaign, creating a multi-stakeholder platform to align ongoing efforts, including Vitamin D into existing healthcare programmes, leveraging national survey data for targeted interventions, and setting uniform guidelines for the testing and treatment for Vitamin D deficiency in Indiaâ.