Srinagar: Director Health Services, Kashmir Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather today chaired a review meeting regarding Implementation of COTPA-2003 in Kashmir division.
The meeting was attended by the National team from the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, New Delhi. Dr MA Rather directed the State Tobacco Control Cell, Kashmir to ensure effective implementation of COTPA during Amarnath Yatra.
He directed the Tobacco Control team to establish Cessation camps at prominent places of the Yatra and also conduct regular enforcement drives to declare Amaranth Yatra as Tobacco free.
Also directions were given to implement Tobacco free Educational Institutional guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
The Director also stressed on effective commemoration of World No Tobacco Day 2022 in all the districts of Kashmir.
DHSK has initiated the Tobacco free Village level Campaign under National Tobacco Control Programme so as to implement Tobacco Control Laws at grass root level.
On the directions of Director Health Services Kashmir, another meeting was held with the District Health Officers of Kashmir division under the chairmanship of Deputy Director Headquarter, Dr S M Kadri.
The meeting also highlighted the activities to be carried out in commemoration of World No Tobacco Day 2022 under the theme “Tobacco-Threat to our Environment.”
State Tobacco Control Cell, Kashmir working under Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir in collaboration with District Health Society, Budgam conducted an Enforcement drive at main town Budgam against the violations of COTPA-2003. Its aim was to generate awareness about different sections of COTPA and to stop selling loose cigarettes.