Bandipora : A day-long workshop for implementation of the Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act-2003 (COTPA) was on Thursday organised at Mini Secretariat Bandipora.
The programme was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bandipora, Waseem Raja.
CMO Bandipora, Dr. Bashir Ahmad, Divisional Coordinator Directorate of Health Services Kashmir Dr. SymaSidiq, MS District Hospital Bandipora, BMO Hajin, Dy.CEOBandipora, Food Safety Officer, Legal Metrology Officer, APs from Degree Colleges, Medical Officers, Police Officers and other concerned also participated.
The programme was organised by Directorate of Health Services Kashmir under National Tobacco Control Programme for providing training to Law enforcers/ Enforcement Squad cum District Level Coordination Committee.
Several Speakers threw light on major risks of Smoking and various laws and legislations for tobacco control.
Addressing the gathering, the ADC stressed on intensive IEC activities for implementation of COTPA-2003. He highlighted the role of strong moral education, family guidance, role of parents and religious scholars in implementation of COTPA and keeping people away from smoking.
Earlier in his welcome address, CMO Bandipora deliberated upon National Tobacco Control Programme. He said smoking is responsible for the devastating health and has severe social, economic, and environmental effects.
He said the programme is aimed to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
Epidemiologist IDSP Bandipora, Dr. NabeelIshtiyaq threw light on Health Hazards of Tobacco. He said Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, he added.
Speaking the occasion, Divisional Coordinator Kashmir, Dr. SymaSidiq highlighted the role and responsibilities of various stakeholders in implementation of COTPA-2003.
