Srinagar: Directorate of Health Services Kashmir told held a media sensitization workshop which was organised by Tobacco Control unit.
The workshop was inaugurated by Advisor to Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar at Banquet Hall here.
Bhatnagar appreciated the role of media in creating awanress about hazards of smoking and consuming Tobacco.
Addressing the participants in the workshop, Advisor Bhatnagar maintained that better enforcement and coordination among various stakeholders is vital for combating the effects of Tobacco in the society. He added that Tobacco use is gateway to usage of other drugs as well as alcohol, and therefore we need to employ the strict measures to reduce its impact.
He said that the administration will address the issues for curbing and controlling Tobacco use.
Secretary Health and Medical Education Bhupinder Kumar said that the smoking of tobacco at public places has been largely controlled due to sustained awareness and information about health hazards of tobacco consumption by the department.
He said that the media’s role is significant in control of smoking tobacco.
He said that in Jammu and Kashmir the society has largely accepted smoking of tobacco and does not abhor it’s use.
He said that this the media has to play a role in changing this behavior of the people towards making smoking tobacco socially unacceptable like other harmful substances.
Director Health Services kashmir Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather said that the Directorate’s Tobacco control unit has been playing a significant role in creating awareness about health hazards of smoking cigarette and consumption of tobacco.
He appreciated the media for its role in creating awarness in collaboration DHSK against consumption of tobacco and smoking.
Dr Mir Mushtaq, Nodal Officer for Tobacco Control unit explained in detail the COTPA and it’s implementation in Jammu and Kashmir.
