Study of 5870 school children and 1664 general population showed that even in states covered by the iodized salt, the endemic goiter prevalence rates were 26.5 to 54.3% This may be partly due to inadequate supply of the iodized salt as well as loss of iodine during transport and storage. Unfortunately approximately 8000 metric tones/annum of rock salt is imported from Pakistan and mainly consumed in the Western sub-Himalayan endemic states (J&K, HP & Punjab). The measures effective enough to eradicate endemic goitre in next 10 years will require a strong determination by the Government of India with provision in the VII five year plan to provide funds for sufficient production (including subsidy to the public sector), proper packaging, storage, maintenance of price parity, priority for transportation and judicious use of prevention of food adulteration Act. The health and welfare departments should also create public awareness on the health consequences of this dreaded disorder and the simplicity of its control by regular consumption of iodized salt.

An evaluation of Immunization coverage and K.A.P study in District Gwalior was under taken by the Deptt. Of community Medicine, G.R. Medical college, Gwalior involving Medical Interns and students. Thirty cluster technique as recommended by W.H.O was used for the assessment. Results showed a good coverage in immunization of pregnant women and children of Gwalior district. However, the dropout rates between the 1st and the remaining dose were quite high. An analysis of KA.P of parents of children revealed that ignorance was the main factor for improper coverage and dropouts which may be augmented by I.E.C. activities in the District Gwalior.

Study shows social cultural and economic background of 500 riral pregnant mothers. Findings about pattern of intranatal care and puerperium are presented.

The present study is an attempt to assess the impact of National Vitamin A supplementation programme which is operative in Gujarat since 1974, in relation to awareness and acceptance of the programme and prevalence of xerophthalmia in children of 0-6 years of age in a sample rural population. A pretested proforma with family and child schedules was administered for this purpose followed by clinical examination of the children. Awareness ranged from 2.74% to 54.43% with an average of 49.9% Those aware accepted the programme better (84.15%) compared to the non-aware group (17.9%). Ignorance was the most significant cause (83.8%) for non- awareness. The awareness was maximum (93.48%) in socio- economic class I and minimum in class V (14.98%). The literate parents (69.97%) were more aware of the programme than the illiterate (23.7%). Significantly more cases of xerophthalia (23.66%) were detected amongst the children belonging to non- aware group compares to aware group(11.32%). The study brings out the strong positive correlation between the awareness and acceptance of the programme and some of the possible causes of the low level of awareness leading to reduced acceptance and thereby increased prevalence of xerophthalmia.

A study on the prevalence of senile cataract was carried out in urban and rural field practice areas of the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, I.G. Medical College Shimla. All the persons aged 60 years and above were included in the survey, which was covered. There were 465 aged persons in the study population, of which only 406 could be examined. Senile cataract was present in 140 persons, thus the prevalence rate was 34.48%. The prevalence was higher in females and in the rural area.

This article deals with an experiment presently being carried out by N.S.S Unit, at Center for Community Medicine, A.I.I.M.S. Non- medical N.S.S Volunteers of Delhi University are being trained for five days in basic aspects of Community Health. The results of the training are very encouraging. The authors feel that these types of training programme can be taken up by N.S.S. Units of various medical colleges through Department of Community Medicine in building up a force of youth who can act as messengers for spreading the messages of health in the Community & thus helping in their own way in achieving the goal of “ Health for all by 2000AD�

Youths from an important segment in any society. The youth population has a significant role to play in the development of the Country as they are nation’s strength, hopes and future. Thus, it is pertinent to study the health situation of youth in India. Data regarding morbidity are not available. Data on morbidity condition of the youth population, if made available will help to design the preventive measures. A retrospective study was carried out by studying 2884 cases in the age group of 15 to 24 years from the records of B.Y.L Nair Charitable Hospital, Bombay. Out of 55.83% females in the study group, 51.24% of cases were due to pregnancy and related disorders. Out of the total cases admitted during the study period 23.06% were between 15 to 24 years of age group. Mortality rate was 2.08%. Other causes of morbidity were accidents (12.44%), gastrointestinal disorders (7.80%), respiratory disorders (5.96%) and psychological disorders (5.38%).