Telangana health department launches KCR nutrition kit

HYDERABAD: The health department is set to launch the state-wide distribution of KCR Nutrition Kits on June 2, the tenth anniversary celebrations of Telangana Formation Day.

The KCR Nutrition Kits programme is expected to benefit 6.84 lakh women and enhance maternal and child care. The programme was designed in conjunction with initiatives such as four ANC check-ups, Amma Odi vehicles, and Mata Shishu Care Centres (MCH).

Health minister T. Harish Rao during a video conference instructed collectors and district medical officers to ensure  meticulous arrangements for the immediate commencement of the distribution. A statement said the programme was an effort to ensure the well-being of expectant mothers and their unborn children.

With an estimated total expenditure of Rs 277 crore, each kit includes essential components such as 1 kg of nutrition mix powder, 2 kg of dates, 3 bottles of iron syrup, 500 grams of ghee, a cup, 200 grams of palli patti, and a plastic basket. The value of each kit which will be distributed free is put at Rs 2,000.

The department aims to distribute 2.5 lakh kits to 1.25 lakh women during two antenatal care check-ups. The initiative will begin in Adilabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Jayashankar Bhupalpalli, Jogulamba Gadwal, Kamareddy, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mulugu, Nagarkurnool, and Vikarabad districts.

The programme was initiated in nine districts earlier with high anemia rates and will now extend to the remaining 24 districts.

Health secretary S.M.H. Rizvi, health commissioner Shweta Mahanty, heads of departments, district collectors, and medical officers from all districts participated in the video conference.