Govt Dental College & Hospital Srinagar in Unison With Deptts of Pulmonary

Srinagar : Government Dental College & Hospital Srinagar in collaboration with Departments of Pulmonary Medicine and Psychiatry IMHANS GMC Srinagar with an aim at raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and promoting healthier, smoke-free lifestyles marked ‘World No Tobacco Day’ here recently.
The day, established by the World Health Organization (WHO), is observed annually to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. This year’s theme, “Protect children from tobacco industry interference”, underscores the urgent need to combat the tobacco epidemic and save lives. The workshop was organised by the Department of public health dentistry, Government Dental college and Hospital Srinagar headed by Dr Aasim Farooq Shah. All the faculty and students of the institute participated in the workshop.
Principal Government Dental college and Hospital Professor Dr Ajaz Shah opened the workshop with a detailed lecture on tobacco and its effects on oral health and general health. He laid emphasis on the oral health professionals to create awareness about the relation of oral cancer and tobacco. The workshop followed by a series of lectures by renowned faculty members of the government medical College Srinagar.
The event featured a series of activities, including lectures by Leading pulmonologist Professor Dr Naveed Nazir Shah and psychiatrists from Government medical college Srinagar Professor Dr Yasir Rather who discussed the multifaceted impact of tobacco on physical and mental health, and explored comprehensive approaches to cessation.
Their speeches included comprehensive management of smokers and smoking cessation methodology. Other than the workshop A robust campaign featuring educational materials, social media outreach, and community engagement activities was launched by the Department of public health dentistry to spread the message about the harmful effects of tobacco and the benefits of quitting.
The department of public health dentistry Government Dental college Srinagar is already running a tobacco cessation clinic on daily basis and routinely is counselling tobacco users to quit tobacco.
Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable disease and death. By working together these institutions aimed to deliver a powerful message about the importance of quitting tobacco for overall health and well-being.”
Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, Head of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, provided knowledge about how smoking can cause lung disease by damaging your airways and can lead to COPD including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and even lung cancer. Dr. Yasir Rather, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, added, “Nicotine addiction is not only a physical challenge but also a psychological one. Our collaborative efforts will address both aspects, offering comprehensive support to those looking to quit.” On the occasion, Government Dental College & Hospital Srinagar requested all the healthcare professionals, and media representatives to join and support the global fight against tobacco. Together, we can make a difference and promote a healthier future for all.