Dimapur, Oct. 23 (EMN): Zunheboto district tobacco control cell under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) conducted an awareness programme on the harmful effects of tobacco on October 23 in the conference hall of the deputy commissioner, Zunheboto.
An update from the chief medical office (CMO), Zunheboto, stated that the programme was chaired by the deputy commissioner, Peter Lichamo, who also welcomed all the participants.
Deputy CMO-cum-NTCP nodal officer, Dr. K Akaho Sema, had briefed on the harmful use of tobacco. He stated that tobacco use mostly leads to common diseases affecting the heart, liver and lungs besides elaborating on the risk factor and consequences of tobacco use. He also motivated the committee members to create more awareness.
Dr. Esther Ngullie, dental surgeon of District Hospital, Zunheboto, had highlighted on the activities carried out in the district. He stated that DTCC had given awareness programme in 10 schools covering 1940 students and one community level awareness programme in the month of September 2019.
During an open discussion hour, the members have decided to declared tobacco-free zone in government offices and public institutions. The members also decided to carry out more awareness programme, enforcement drive and impose penalty to the offenders regarding sale of tobacco products.
Representative from ANPSA Zunheboto unit shared that they are seeing positive changes after awareness programme conducted in schools.
Deputy commissioner, Superintendent of police, additional deputy commissioner, deputy CMO, principal of Zunheboto Government College, principal of GHSS, ZAPO, STH, church leaders, DBs, representatives of ANPSA, dental surgeon from the District Hospital, and medical staff attended the programme.
