State responds to the call for a Tobacco free India
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 31 2014 : The World No Tobacco Day 2014 was observed in Imphal on Saturday by the District Tobacco Control Cell, Imphal West District of the State Medical Directorate.

The Day is observed on May 31 every year.

The District Tobacco Control Cell, Imphal West organized the observation function at the RD Wing conference hall, Health Services.

This year's edition of the observance was held under the theme of "Free 100 Minutes for a Tobacco Free India" .

Dr L Swasticharan, Chief Medical Officer, National Tobacco Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Government of India, was the chief guest of the observance, which was also attended by Dr Ch Debeshwor, Chief Medical Officer/DNO, Imphal West, Dr S Bimolkumari Devi, District AIDS Control Officer, Imphal West, Dr S Gopal, State Nodal Officer, NCD-NTCP, Manipur, Dr K Komolini Devi, State Nodal Officer, NCD-NTCP, DR Ksh Kala, Dr Y Mohen and Dr Th Dhabali among others.

In his speech, Dr Swasticharan said nearly 3,300 people die of tobacco related diseases throughout the world every day and nearly 10 lakh people across the globe annually.

Pointing out that tobacco causes various types of cancer; Dr Swasticharan noted that Manipur has become the second State in the North East next to Mizoram which consumes largest quantity of tobacco products.

He emphasized on the need for self-understanding on the bad effects of tobacco and its various products.

Dr K Komolini, who also spoke on the occasion, suggested that increasing tax on tobacco products will certainly help in decreasing the number of users, especially from poor economic background and also the beginners.

She cited that increasing 10 percent tax on tobacco products has lowered the number of its users by four percent in many developed countries.

Observing that Manipur has ranked 5th among all States of India that consume largest quantity of tobacco, including both smoke and smokeless products, Dr Komolini maintained that a raise in the tax on all tobacco items will surely boost the State revenue which can be used in developing the health sector.

The World No Tobacco Day was also observed jointly by Indian Medical Association (IMA), Manipur branch; Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and Voice of Tobacco Victims under the theme, "Rise to Tobacco Tax" here today.

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