Smoking at public places declining in JK: Secretary Health

Srinagar, June 01: Secretary Health and Medical Education, Bhupinder Kumar on Thrusday said the smoking at public places has declined due to the consistent anti-tobacco campaign and anti-tobacco laws smoking.

He was speaking during seminar organised to celebrate World No Tobacco Day organised by Directorate Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) at Government Dental College.

Kumar said the day is being observed to educate people about harmful effects of tobacco use. He said

On the occasion Prominent personalities including Secretary Tribal Affairs, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, renowned Doctor, Dr Sushil Razdan and International cricketers Parvez Rasool were nominated as anti-tobacco campaign ambassadors.

Mission Director NHM  Ayuhsi Sudhan and Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Principal Government Medical College Srinagar, Dr Masood Tanveer, Principal Government Dental College, Dr. Reyaz Farooq, Director Ayush, Dr. Mohan Singh and Dr. Tabasum Jabeen Director Family Welfare among others were presented on the occassion.

Dr Razdan, through a video message, vowed to fight for tobacco control measures in J&K.

Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary thanked the health department for choosing them as anti-tobacco campaign ambassadors. He hoped that their involvement will be of great help in reducing smoking and tobacco consumption.

MD NHM lauded the efforts of health department for taking anti-tobacco campaign to nook and corner of Kashmir. She said that awareness and education are important to curb the menace of smoking. She said a coordinated effort is needed to reduce smoking and tobacco use.

Director Health Services Kashmir, said smoking is a gateway of drug abuse as almost all drug abusers start from smoking.

Principal Government Medical College, Dr. Masood Tanveer enumerated adverse effects of tobacco on health. Dr Mir Mushtaq nodal officer gave detailed presentation about tobacco control activities of Directorate of health services.