Jawans oriented on ill-effects of tobacco

Dimapur, Oct. 22 (EMN): National Tobacco Control Programme, Phek, conducted an orientation programme on tobacco control and COTPA 2003 for personnel of DEF Phek on October 15. A press release from the chief medical officer (CMO), Phek, stated that officers and jawans were sensitised on the harmful effects of tobacco. Speaking as the resource person, Dr. Reyosalu Lase Vizo, district nodal officer, NTCP Phek, told the gathering that the worst among its harmful effects is oral cancer. She stated that India has the highest number of oral cancer in the world, which accounted for 90 percent caused by tobacco. Stating that many have died of oral cancer and tobacco related diseases in Nagaland and many more are suffering, she called upon the jawans to be a role model as they will be the people to go and enforce the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Acts (COTPA) 2003 in the district. She also spoke on e-cigarettes where the youth have started using in cities. She pointed out that e-cigarettes should be banned by the government of India in order to protect its people especially the youth. She advised them to check on e-cigarettes when they go for enforcement drives. The programme was chaired by James Ovung, SDPO Phek, while the invocation was said by Linda Thupitor, women leader of Police Baptist Church, DEF Phek, and the welcome address was delivered by Tokavi Achumi, additional SP Phek. Pamphlets on COTPA 2003, harmful effects of tobacco, no smoking signages and posters on oral cancer were distributed to the participants.