Consumption of iodine drug distributed to schools and kindergartens stopped

In the letter signed by the deputy minister Elmira Bositkhonova, it is written that the condition of 71 children who were admitted to the hospital with health complaints was caused by potassium drugs. For this reason, the ministry instructed its departments in all regions to immediately temporarily stop the use of the potassium drug prescribed by the government’s decision.

On September 20, work on providing iodine under the “Yorqin millat” (“Bright nation”) program began in Uzbekistan. Iodine preparations were supposed to be provided free of charge to all children from 3 to 15 years old through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Preschool and School Education.

On September 21, it was reported that symptoms of fever, vomiting, abdominal pain were observed among some children of kindergarten in Chust district, Namangan region. According to the initial complaint, 5 children were brought to the hospital. Later, a total of 71 children’s health complaints were registered and they were quickly admitted to the hospital.

The Ministry of Health said that the situation is under the control of the minister. The PGO informed that the investigation is being carried out in connection with the above situation.