The National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) was previously known as:

BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Explanation

The National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) was originally launched in 1962 as the National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP).
The initial objective was to control endemic goitre, a visible sign of iodine deficiency, particularly in the sub-Himalayan regions.
In August 1992, the program was renamed NIDDCP to broaden its scope to include the full range of iodine deficiency disorders, such as mental retardation, deaf-mutism, cretinism, stillbirths, and abortions.
This name change reflects a more comprehensive public health approach, moving from addressing a single symptom to tackling the entire syndrome of iodine deficiency.

Option B: This programme, started in 1970, specifically targets the prevention of nutritional blindness caused by Vitamin A deficiency, not iodine deficiency.
Option C: This programme focuses on preventing and managing diarrhoeal diseases, primarily through the promotion of Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT). It is not related to micronutrient deficiencies like iodine.
Option D: This programme, launched in 1970, aims to prevent and treat anaemia, particularly iron-deficiency anaemia, in pregnant women and children by distributing iron and folic acid tablets.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History and evolution of national health programs in India, specifically the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Iodine is a crucial micronutrient for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which are vital for brain development and overall growth. Deficiency can cause irreversible brain damage.
The spectrum of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) includes goitre, hypothyroidism, cretinism (severe mental and physical retardation), increased rates of abortion and stillbirth, and impaired cognitive function.
A key nursing role in NIDDCP is community education about the importance of using iodized salt and proper storage to prevent iodine loss.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP)'.
The question asks for its previous name, indicating a need for historical knowledge of public health programs.
Analyze the options. Each option represents a different national health program focused on a specific nutritional issue.
Recall or deduce the original focus of the iodine-related program. Iodine deficiency's most visible sign is goitre, making 'National Goitre Control Programme' a logical precursor.
Eliminate the other options as they are distinct programs targeting different deficiencies: Vitamin A, diarrhoea-related dehydration, and iron-deficiency anaemia.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: History and evolution of national health programs in India, specifically the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP).
Stem keywords: National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme, NIDDCP, previously known as
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 313-315

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 428-430