Phek District Tobacco Control Cell holds review meeting

DIMAPUR — The District Level Coordination Committee, District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Phek, held a review meeting at the DC conference hall on August 11, chaired by Rhosietho Nguori, deputy commissioner, Phek.

According to an update, on the occasion, six tobacco-free homes (TFHs) were declared, and certificates were given away by the DC Phek to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidhyalaya Residential Home, Vision Open Shelter Home, and four private homes.

The DC said it is every individual’s duty to put in efforts to create awareness on the ill effects of tobacco. The agendas discussed were on tobacco vendor licensing and the effective implementation of smoke offices and smoke-free districts.

Chetezo Akami, deputy chairman, Phek Town Council (PTC), briefed the meeting about the status of tobacco vendor licences issued to traders. The DC Phek suggested that if there is any violation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 by the traders, the tobacco enforcement squad could inform the town council to take necessary action.

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He also added that during the District Planning and Development Board meeting, a presentation on smoke-free offices could be given by the District Tobacco Control Cell, and a reaffirmation of commitment to a smoke-free workplace could be undertaken.

Dr Pfukrolo Koza, district nodal officer, District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC), presented the status of National Tobacco Control Programme activities. He spoke on the need for more coordination with different stakeholders to effectively reduce tobacco use and create greater awareness about its ill effects in the district.

He stated that the DLCC has been using platforms such as the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) and the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) to create greater public awareness.