Manipur third largest consumer of tobacco products: Dr Surbala
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 12 2024: RIMS Dental College assistant professor Dr Rajkumari Surbala said that Manipur is the third largest consumer of tobacco products in the country.

She made the remark at a tobacco cessation awareness programme jointly organised by All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU), Indian Dental Association (IDA) Manipur State Branch, and Department of Public Health Dentistry, RIMS Dental College, at the Thangjing Hall of Manipur Press Club here on Friday.

The awareness programme, organised in relation with the Golden Jubilee celebration of AMWJU and World No Tobacco Day, was attended by IDA State president Dr RK Ratankumar, and AMWJU president Bijoy Kakchingtabam as presidium members.

Attending as resource persons, RIMS Dental College assistant professors Dr Diptajit Das spoke on "Understanding Tobacco Addiction" and Dr Surbala on "Strategy for successfully quitting tobacco".

Dr Surbala highlighted the negative impact of tobacco products not only to human but also to the environment.

Globally, tobacco consumption rate declined from 2009-10 to 2016 according to Global Adult Tobacco Survey reports but Manipur reported 3.5 per cent hike in the same period.

The report also places Manipur third among highest tobacco consuming states, she said.

Among the different tobacco products, chewing tobacco like Zarda are mostly consumed by women while cigarettes are used by men.

Smokeless tobacco consumption is highest in northeast, the assistant professor said while expressing concern over the rising consumption rate of tobacco in the state.

Emphasising on conduct of awareness programme, she informed that RIMS Dental College has a tobacco cessation clinic, where people may visit and take experts' help to quit tobacco.

Dr Surbala also highlighted the health impact of consuming tobacco which may lead to different forms of cancer as well as contribution in cardiac arrest.

In his address, AMWJU president Bijoy expressed concern that many are still consuming tobacco products despite knowing the negative impacts and called upon the media fraternity to play significant roles in disseminating awareness on the harmful impacts of tobacco consumption.

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