LONDON, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Free vitamins are to be handed to every pregnant woman in Scotland from Saturday in a move aimed at giving every new baby the best start in life, it was reported Friday.
The Scottish government said the roll-out of the scheme as part of a "healthy start" initiative will cost around 312,000 U.S. dollars a year, adding the move is aimed at improving the health of parents and children.
Health officials in Scotland have also launched a Scotland-wide survey into maternal and infant nutrition.
The survey will see data gathered on nutrition, breastfeeding, formula feeding and weaning practices, and help the health service in Scotland strengthen the support offered to new mothers.
Scotland's public health minister Aileen Campbell said: "We are committed to giving every child in Scotland the very best start in life and helping women to enjoy a healthy pregnancy is a key part of this."
"There is strong evidence that taking vitamins during pregnancy improves both the mother and baby's health. By offering them to all pregnant women, we can contribute towards giving every baby a fair and equal chance, a move that is widely supported by healthcare professionals," Campbell added.
Health care in Scotland is devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
