Wokha District Tobacco Control Cell meeting held

Representatives from the Tobacco Free establishments with officials during the quarterly meeting held at the District Hospital Conference Hall, Wokha on September 18. (DIPR Photo)

Wokha, September 19 (MExN): Quarterly meeting of various committee members of District Tobacco Control Cell, District Level Coordination committee, District Level Enforcement Squad & Flying Squad was held on September 18 at the District Hospital Conference Hall, Wokha.

During the meeting, a DIPR report stated that Medical Superintendent (MS), Dr Motsuo Memorial District Hospital, Wokha Dr Tumcobeni Kikon, on behalf of the District Tobacco Control Cell, National Tobacco Control Programme, presented certificates to the already declared Tobacco Free establishments namely, Axis Bank Wokha, Smile Dental Clinic, Deputy Commissioner Office and Dr Motsuo Memorial District Hospital, Wokha.

The MS while enlightening on Tobacco-Free Area Policy stated a tobacco-free environment helps create a safe and healthy environment. Smoking and second hand smoke are known to cause serious lung diseases, heart diseases and cancer, while adding “we all need to recognize the hazards caused by tobacco use and exposure to second hand tobacco smoke and adopt policy to provide a tobacco-free environment for all patients, visitors and staff.”

This policy covers the smoking of any tobacco product and the use of all oral tobacco products including “spit” tobacco and “E-cigarettes.”

District Nodal Officer, NTCP, Dr Meribeni Odyuo reviewing the last meeting said enforcement alone cannot work unless ill effect of tobacco use and selling of tobacco products are sensitized to the general public.

She requested the District Administration and School Education department, Wokha to issue notification for banning of smoking at police stations and public transport areas and prohibition of sale of tobacco products near educational institutions and installation of tobacco warning signages.