World No Tobacco Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 03 2014:
The World No Tobacco Day 2014 was observed with the theme Free 60 Minutes for a Tobacco Free India at the Chief Medical Office of Imphal East District today.
The programme was jointly organised by District Tobacco Control Cell, Imphal East District and Educational and Social Upliftment Organisation.
Dr L Swasticharan, MD, MPH (Bio security), CMO, Directorate of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI and CMO of Imphal East district, Dr L Ashok Kumar attended the programme as the chief guest and president respectively while State Nodal Officer of Tobacco Control Programme, Medical Directorate, Dr K Komolini Devi was the guest of honour.
Citing the report of Global Adult Tobacco Survey wherein Manipur is in the 5th in the pyramid of highest tobacco users State in India, Dr L Ashok Sharma pointed out that the number of tobacco users in the State is fast increasing.
He said the use of tobacco could not be prevented alone by the State Nodal Officer while stressing the need to put joint efforts by stakeholders concerned.
Dr Komolini observed that 3 lakh people die per day in India due to tobacco related diseases while also pointing out that 54 percent of the State's total population are tobacco users.
She also opined that hiking the tax of tobacco and related products in the State would pay rich dividend in controlling the use of tobacco.
Dr L Ashok Sharma delivered a talk on psychological problems faced by chronic smokers and tobacco consumers during the programme.