Dimapur, July 28: District level coordination meeting on National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Peren District was held on July 28 at Deputy Commissioner Conference Hall, New Headquarter Peren.
The programme was chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Zarenthung Ezung. Dr. Hutokhu Chishi State Nodal Officer (NTCP) Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima and other officials from Chief Medical Office, School Education, Social Welfare, Rural Development and administration attended the meeting. Chairing the programme, DC welcomed all the members present and expressed his sincere appreciation.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ngangshimeren, Chief Medical Officer gave a brief note on the meeting agendas. He highlighted about the alarming situation of Tobacco users in the State stating that in Nagaland 57% of adult and 37% of children are tobacco users. He also highlighted about the main objective of the programme which is to create intensive awareness on harmful effects of tobacco in the District and urged all the members present for their cooperation and support for the success of the program.Dr. Chishi gave the keynote address with a power point presentation, an overview about the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) stating that NTCP is World Health Organization initiative. He briefed about FCTC-Frame work convention on tobacco Control, a WHO policy/ treaty document. He also highlighted the various structure and aspects for implementing the program. He highlighted about the committees at the district level, district level coordination committee (DLCC): its duties and responsibilities and also about the Enforcement Squad, Tobacco cessation centre and COTPA 2003(Cigarette and other tobacco product act-2003) Nagaland specifics. Further on he highlighted about the burdens of tobacco.
Tainu, ADC Peren concluded the meeting requesting all the members present to disseminate awareness to the community about the ill effects of tobacco consumption and encouraging all to be proactive in this social awareness campaign. Dr. Sabino Kuotsu, District Nodal Officer, NTCP address the vote of thanks.
In Dimapur, a training on Tobacco Control was conducted for District Anti Tobacco Squad today. In the first session, Ms Seyieleno Mezhu 1st Class Magistrate Dimapur gave a presentation on the provision and implementation of COTPA Sec 4,5,6,7 and also on Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 2015.
In the second session, Dr C Tetseo gave a presentation on inspection module for COPTA for DATS.
During the training, it was also resolved that District Anti Tobacco Squad would carry out regular checking in government offices, schools, shops, hotel and restaurants for compliance of COTPA 2003. All the stakeholders have been asked to immediately comply with the provisions of the law by displaying appropriate signboards and signages. Defaulters by any of the entities will be penalized as per the provision of the law.
