All of Scotland's pregnant women will be receiving free vitamins from the government by spring, its First Minister has announced. Some pregnant women are already receiving the free supply as of writing.
"Every child deserves a fair and equal chance and offering all pregnant women vitamins sends a strong signal that, right from the very start of life, we are doing all we can to help," said First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, as per the Scotsman. Sturgeon said that this is supported by healthcare professionals.
Inews reported that all pregnant women will be receiving vitamin C, vitamin D and folic acid from the government. These free vitamins for all pregnant women will correspond to an estimated £300,000 to pay for taxpayers annually.
Pregnant women in Scotland will be receiving free vitamins and supplements through a new government program https://t.co/PYkayD0JMz
— YWCA Toronto (@YWCAToronto) June 1, 2016
Free Vitamin Provision Supported
"We understand the long-term positive effects that good nutrition can have for pregnant women and offering these essential vitamins will help to improve the health of mothers, babies and children in Scotland," said Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood, as per BBC. Calderwood said that giving pregnant women vitamins indicates that the government is out to help children at the start of life.
Jackie Tollund from the Parents Network of Scotland also approved of the government's new policy. "Anything that we can do to give children the best start in life can only reap benefits in the years to come," said Tollund.
Free Vitamins One Of Child-Centered Policies
Besides free vitamins for pregnant Scottish women, the government has also set out to give more benefits geared towards improving the health of children. Scottish families with a newborn will also receive baby boxes contain essential items for babies.
The government will also be getting an additional 500 health visitors for Scottish children. For three and four-year-old children, free childcare will be doubled to 30 hours a week.
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