World No Tobacco Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 29 2014: In con-nection with the 'World No To- bacco Day 2014' on the theme 'Raise Taxes on Tobacco', a commemorative event called 'Free 30 Minutes for a Tobacco Free India' was held today at the Lamphelpat office premises of Directorate of Health Services, Govt of Manipur.

The observance function organised jointly by the State Tobacco Cell and District To-bacco Control Cell of the Di- rectorate was held with the Addl Dir Dr Th Rabindra Singh, State Nodal Officer (NCD) Dr K Komolini Devi and Superintendent of Central Excise Dept RK Darendrajit Singh as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Highlighting that inspite of the heavy tax levied on toba-cco item manufacturers over 3000 tobacco production units flourish in different parts of the country as the number of smokers/consumers continue to rise alarmingly, RK Daren-drajit in his address to the ga- thering reminded that tobacco product users are most vulnerable to diseases of the heart and lungs.

World No Tobacco Day observed

Observing that absence of stringent law to deal with tobacco producers has been one of the factors for the fight against tobacco not making much headway in India, the functional president proposed that longer jail term be enforced against the tobacco product manufacturers to check tobacco-related casualties.

According to Regional Director (Health & Family Welfare) for Assam, Manipur, Tripura Dr L Ashananda observance of the global event, which falls on May 30, under the World Health Organisation is to spread the message about the harmful impact caused to one's health due to consumption/use of tobacco products.

Relentless awareness campaigns by Government as well as the NGOs on the implications of using tobacco products seems to be far from reaching the goal for many people get habituated to smoking or consuming tobacco items inspite of being full aware on the threat posed to one's health, said Dr Ashananda who also pointed out that tobacco product manufacturers cannot succeed if the citizens take firm decision to avoid using such health hazardous products.

As Resource persons, Dr K Komolini Devi elaborated on 'health effects of tobacco' and RK Darendrajit on 'role of central excise department' in curbing the menace of tobacco items' .

Among others, Chief Medical officer (NPCDCS, MoH&FW) Dr L Swasticharan was also present at the occasion.