Srinagar, June 09 (Scoop News) –A Workshop on Tobacco Control was organized jointly by Voluntary Health organization of India and J&K Voluntary Health and Development Association (JKVHDA) in collaboration with Civil Defence organization J&K was inaugurated by Addl. D G Civil Defence Dr. Dolly Burman here on today.
Former Chief Justice, Bashir Ahmad Khan presided over the function. Among others who participated in the workshop include Executive Director JKVHA, A M Mir, Ex- Principal GMC, Prof Dr. G.Q Allaqaband, officers of Civil Defense, members of JKVHDA and members of media fraternity.
Speaking on the occasion Bashir Ahmad Khan, said that media has to play a pivotal role in making aware general masses about the hazards of smoking and use of Ghotka.
He said that conducting seminars, awareness camps in the educational institutions will also help in curbing this menace .he also mentioned that government has also launched initiatives and the smoking in government offices have been banned.
He said electronic and print media can play vital role in making people aware of ill effects of smoking and Ghutka products. The smoking causes health ailments in the form of various diseases besides economic losses to the smokers, he added.
He said, under article 21 of constitution it is obligatory for government to take care of citizens health and suggested that government offices should make it mediatory not to smoke and explanatory action should be taken against the employees who found guilty. He also demand to ban the import of Gutka and tobacco products
G.Q. Alaqband while addressing the workshop gave detailed overview about the ill effects of tobacco and chewing Ghutka. He said, use of these products is major cause of mouth cancer and other dangerous and horrifying disease.
He stressed upon the Teacher fraternity, Imams, Civil Society members Voluntary organizations and other sect of the society to raise their voice in this regard. He urged to media fraternity to play their role for the benefit and betterment of the society. He appealed the people not to use SUPARIES and mouth Fresheners at marriage functions because these are as harmful as Ghutka instead they should use pure traditional items.
The other speakers underscored the need of rejuvenating anti tobacco and Ghotka campaign which is posting threat to community at large scale living in the State. They laid stress to contribute and make collective efforts to get this menace eradicate. They said J&K Voluntary Health and Development Association have already taken up various initiatives for spreading awareness about the ban of Ghutka and tobacco products.
It was also said that Budgam District has already been declared as a tobacco free district and now it is time for Srinagar City to become tobacco free district.
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