SRINAGAR: In a move aimed at making Srinagar City tobacco and cigarette free, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Taj Mohi-ud-din Tuesday stressed the need for launching a vigorous campaign against cigarette smoking and use of tobacco products all over the state. He suggested making Srinagar a model tobacco free district.
Taj was addressing a Seminar on Launch of Srinagar as Model District under Tobacco Control Act (COTPA) held here, Tuesday.
The seminar was organised by Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) and J&K Voluntary Health Association (JKVHA) in collaboration with district administration.
The Minister complimented the organisers of the seminar which would help in disseminating awareness about hazards of smoking. He said though now people are realising the ill effects of smoking, much more needs to be done to eradicate it. He said fifty years ago it was a dream to think about banning of smoking, adding that smoking of GUTKA is completely banned now.
He also hailed J&K Voluntary Health Association, State and District Administration and media for holding seminars, workshops, radio and television programmes on the ill effects of smoking.
Taj said once fully executed, Srinagar would be the second smoke free model district, after Gadak district of Karnataka state declared as model district under Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act-2003 (COTPA). In this connection, he asked all the sections of society including Government functionaries, voluntary associations and, NGOs to contribute in their respective fields.
District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmed Shah, on the occasion, briefed the Minister about various measures taken against cigarette smoking in and near hospitals, school institutions and other public places.
The Executive Director JKVHA, Ali Mohammad Mir highlighted the main purpose of seminar. HoD Community Medicines SKIMS, Dr. Abdul Majid gave a power point presentation about the concept of model district under COPTA.
Among other who spoke on the occasion, included Principal GMC Srinagar, Prof. Rafiq Pampori; General Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Mrs. Ruma Wani; Drug Controller and other volunteer activists.
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