68% of Jharkhand’s children suffer from anemia, Health Department reprimands civil surgeons:

News India Live, Digital Desk: The dark shadow of ‘anemia’ is looming over the future of Jharkhand i.e. the health of the children here. The figures revealed in the recent review meeting of the State Health Department are shocking. According to statistics, the state’s 68 percent children Suffering from anemia. Expressing displeasure over the slow pace of anemia control programme, the Health Headquarters has given a final warning to the civil surgeons of all the districts to improve the ‘score card’.

Alarming statistics of anemia (category wise situation)

An analysis of data for two quarters from June to December 2025 has revealed that there has been gross negligence in targeting iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements:

Children aged 6 months to 5 years: Only about 66% received the dose.

Children aged 5 to 9 years: Could reach 70%.

Adolescents 10-19 years: 86% covered.

Pregnant women: 99% (this area was the best).

Lactating Mothers: Only 69% could be reached.

Why did the blame fall on civil surgeons?

The Health Department found that the distribution of medicines given under the Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy in many districts is very poor.

Poor performing districts: The situation of anemia is more serious in districts like Pakur, Sahibganj and Simdega.

Order: The Health Secretary has clarified that if anemia control figures do not show improvement by the next quarter, disciplinary action will be taken against the civil surgeons concerned.

What is anemia and why is it dangerous?

Anemia is a condition when there is a deficiency of red blood cells (RBC) or hemoglobin in the body. It can have serious consequences in children:

Mental and physical development: Due to anemia, children’s learning ability and physical growth stops.

Weakness: Children get tired quickly and fall ill frequently.

Mortality Rate: Severe anemia is a major cause of increased infant mortality rate (IMR).

Government’s next step

The state government has decided to run the ‘Anemia Free Jharkhand’ campaign on mission mode. The process of distributing pills under the ‘Iron Ki Shakti’ program every Wednesday through Anganwadi centers and government schools will be made more transparent. Besides, new portals are also being used for digital monitoring.