Orientation programme of stakeholders on NTCP held at Kangpokpi
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, March 20 2019: One day orientation of stakeholders on National Tobacco Control Programme was held at Multipurpose Hall, DC Office Kangpokpi DHQs with an aim to impart awareness on tobacco and health, COTPA Act and role of stakeholders on NTCP.

The workshop programme was organized by National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), District Health Society, Kangpokpi.

Lalithambigai K, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi who is also the Chairman of District Health Society attended the programme as chief guest while Dr Kimneng Misao, Chief Medical Officer/DMD, DHS Kangpokpi and various other concerned officials, district level health officials, Medical Officers i/c of Health facilities, staffs of District Management Unit and other District Level Officers also attended the workshop.

Apart from various other stakeholders, civil society organizations and NGOs leaders also attended the workshops.

Dr John Lupheng, District Nodal Officer, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Kangpokpi delivered the welcome and keynote speech highlighting the overview of the workshop and its objectives while stating that the orientation programme was organized to impart awareness on tobacco and health, COTPA Act and role of stakeholders on NTCP in the district.

Dr Ph Henkhoneng Mate, District Malaria Officer, Kangpokpi spoke on the topic of Tobacco and Health while Dr N Somorjit, SNO, NTCP spoke on Tobacco Control Laws such as Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, in short COTPA, 2003 and role of stakeholders on National Tobacco Control Programme.

The District Nodal Officer, NTCP Kangpokpi, Dr John Lupheng while speaking to media persons on the sideline of the workshop said that GoI had launched NTCP in the year 2007-08 with five objectives viz a) to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, b) reduce the production and supply of tobacco products, c) ensure effective implementation of the provision under COPTA, 2003, d) help the people quit using tobacco products and e) facilitate implementation of strategies for prevention and control of tobacco advocated by WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control.

He continued that the operational guidelines of the NTCP were released in 2012 by the National Tobacco Control Cell at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare which guided and facilitated the State Govt and district administration in implementation of the NTCP at the state and district level while adding that various agencies working in the state and district level also used the guidelines to further the goal of tobacco control in the country.

He also said that with collective and enthusiastic efforts of all stakeholders', tobacco can be control in the district and prevent the people from its (tobacco) harmful effects and appealed all stakeholders and the general public of Kangpokpi to join hands together to control tobacco and reduce its production and supply in the district.

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