Which of the following is NOT a primary objective of the NIDDCP?

BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Community Health Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Explanation

The core mission of the NIDDCP is to prevent iodine deficiency by promoting the consumption of iodised salt.
Promoting non-iodised salt is directly counterproductive to the program's goal of universal salt iodisation.
The program was specifically created to replace common (non-iodised) salt with iodised salt to eliminate a major public health problem.
All other options listed are officially stated objectives of the NIDDCP, including surveys, health education, and supporting state-level control cells.

Option A: This is a valid objective. The central government provides financial support to states and union territories to establish and maintain IDD Control Cells, which are crucial for implementing the program at the local level.
Option B: This is a primary objective. Conducting surveys is essential to understand the prevalence and geographical distribution of iodine deficiency disorders, which helps in planning and evaluating the program's effectiveness.
Option C: This is a key objective. Health education and publicity campaigns are vital for creating public awareness about the dangers of iodine deficiency and the importance of consuming iodised salt.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Objectives of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are at the forefront of public health initiatives like NIDDCP. They educate communities, especially pregnant women and mothers, about the critical need for iodised salt to prevent irreversible conditions like cretinism.
A key nursing role is to advise families on the proper storage of iodised salt (in airtight containers, away from moisture and heat) to prevent iodine loss.
What if a patient from a remote area presents with goitre? The nurse's first action should be to assess their dietary habits, specifically salt consumption, and refer them for further evaluation, while also using the opportunity to educate the family and community about IDD.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question: the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP).
Next, notice the negative keyword 'NOT'. This means you are looking for the option that is inconsistent with the program's goals.
Think logically about the program's name. 'Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control' implies the program wants to increase iodine intake, not decrease it.
Evaluate each option based on this logic. Options A, B, and C (funding, surveys, education) are standard components of any national health program.
Option D suggests promoting 'non-iodised salt'. This directly contradicts the program's purpose of promoting 'iodised salt'.
Therefore, the option that is NOT an objective is the one that actively undermines the program's mission.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Objectives of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP)
Stem keywords: NIDDCP, primary objective, Iodine Deficiency Disorders
Lead-in keywords: NOT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the option that is NOT a primary objective of the NIDDCP, requiring you to find the false statement among the choices.

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