NTCP conducts awareness on harmful effects of tobacco

DIMAPUR — The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) conducted an awareness programme on the harmful effects of tobacco and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 at Government Higher Secondary School, Mon on Saturday.

In a press release, Sr. Dr. Esther Chophy Ngullie, district nodal officer of NTCP in Mon, emphasised oral precancerous lesions such as Oral Submucous Fibrosis, which are becoming increasingly common among tobacco users in Nagaland.

She explained that this precancerous lesion is mainly caused by chewing Areca nut (supari, tamul) with or without tobacco, as well as smokeless tobacco such as gutka. The main symptoms of this lesion include restriction in mouth opening, burning sensation in the mouth, presence of white fibrous bands in the oral mucosa, ulcers, etc.

In the programme, District Consultant Nyeamying Konyak discussed nicotine replacement therapy. The programme was attended by over 700 students, along with school teachers and administrators.