Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 26 2010:
The Manipuri version of the Parliamentarians Kit on Tobacco Control was released during a function at Classic Hotel here today.
Additional Director of Health Services Dr L Surchandra Singh released the kit as chief guest of the function organised by Manipur Voluntary Health Association.
Giving the keynote address, Tobacco Control Programme in-charge Nanda said that the aim of the Tobacco control programme is to increase the level of awareness on the harmful effects of Tobacco uses among the people in general and the youth in particular.
Maintaining that Tobacco companies have been spending millions of dollar every year to turn new users into addicts and keep the current users from quitting, Nanda pointed out that male users generally started consuming Tobacco in their teens while womenfolk normally started consuming after getting married.
He further pointed out that WHO estimates that nearly 700 million or almost half of thew world's children breath air polluted by Tobacco smoke at home.
Tobacco is the leading killer in the world today and the policy makers have a great role to play.
Unfortunately, this is not happening, he lamented.
Speaking as chief guest of the function, Dr Surchandra noted that as a first step towards Tobacco control, the Government of India had announced using Tobacco in public places like markets, offices, schools, colleges, hospitals, airports, hotels including bars since October 2, 2008 .
Expressing concern over high rate of Tobacco use among the youth, Dr Surchandra observed that teachers and every staff in schools and colleges should make their students aware of the harmful effects of Tobacco use.
Awareness on the harmful effect of Tobacco use should also be included in the training programmes of the NCC, Youth Red Cross and NSS, Dr Surchandra suggested, adding that this would help in controlling Tobacco use.
Treasurer of Manipur Voluntary Health Association Kh Achouba Singh presided over the function which was also attended by member of MVHA Th Ngouba Singh as guest of honour.