Tobacco consumption worries Health Minister
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 17 2012:
Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing has expressed serious concern at the increasing rate of tobacco consumption and the resultant rise in tobacco related diseases.
He was speaking as chief guest at a sensitisation programme organised as a part of 'Tobacco Free Manipur Campaign' by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai at RIMS Jubilee Hall today.
Phungzathang stated that Manipur is a small State both geographically and demographically but abounds with natural resources.
But it is a matter of serious concern the Global Adult Tobacco Survey Manipur, India 2009-2010 reported that 11 lakh people of Manipur consume tobacco products.
In Manipur, tobacco products are consumed by way of smoking or otherwise.
Among the tobacco consumers of the State, 58 per cent consume in smokeless manner.
Given the high rate of tobacco consumption in the State, it is crucial to organise such sensitisation programmes regularly and frequently, the Health Minister stated.
Prof Pankaj Chaturvedi of Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai, quoting a report of the Global Youths Tobacco Survey, said that 54 per cent of Manipuri youths consume tobacco products and 70 per cent of them smoke tobacco products.
Consumption of tobacco products can cause cancer in mouth, heart, thyroid, food pipe, wind pipe, stomach, womb, breast and skin.
Moreover, consumption of tobacco products enhances the risk of heart attack, hypertension, stroke, peripheral vascular diseases, respiratory diseases, infertility, liver infections etc.
Noting that consumption of tobacco products has become a major health issue across the world, Prof Chaturvedi asserted that tobacco products not only affects health but also harm the economy.
Among others, the sensitisation programme was also attended by Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) Ram Muivah, National Tobacco Control Programme Medical Officer Dr L Lwasticharam, RIMS Director Dr S Sekharjit, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Regional Director Dr L Asananda.