RIMS hosts workshop on tobacco
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 06 2026: A one-day State-level workshop on "Tobacco Industry Interference (TII) and Implementation of Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC)" at RIMS, Imphal today.

The workshop, under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), was organised by the State Tobacco Control Cell, State Health Mission, National Health Mission (NHM), Manipur, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dental College, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, with technical support from Vital Strategies.

Dr Geetha Anandan, Additional Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; Dr N Hemantakumar Singh, Director of Health Services, Government of Manipur, Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma, Director, RIMS, Imphal attended the event.

Addressing the workshop, Dr Geetha Anandan highlighted India's progress in tobacco control through legislation, public awareness and cessation programmes.

She emphasised the importance of implementing Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to protect public health policies from tobacco industry interference.

Dr Anandan urged stronger institutional coordination, awareness and sustained action at State and district levels, reiterating that tobacco control is a collective responsibility and a National priority.

RIMS Imphal Director Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma highlighted the growing burden of tobacco-related diseases, particularly oral cancer in Manipur, and stressed the implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3 to prevent tobacco industry interference.

He also urged stronger prevention, early detection, public awareness and tobacco cessation services across healthcare institutions.

The discussions covered the burden of tobacco use, investment in a healthier and NCD-free North-East, WHO FCTC and MPOWER strategies, tobacco industry interference, NTCP and tobacco control laws in Manipur and emerging tobacco and nicotine products.

Dr L Swasticharan, Deputy Director General and Director (EMR), Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India; Dr N Bino Singh, Director, Family Welfare Services; Dr Nepram Sanjib Singh, Medical Superintendent, RIMS, Imphal; and Dr B Praveen Reddy, Principal, Dental College, RIMS, Imphal attended the event.

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