Dimapur, Aug. 1 (EMN): The building complex and grounds including the parking lot of the Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital in Wokha have been declared a tobacco-free zone.
The move was taken in the interest of public health and with a view to keeping the building and surroundings clean, updates stated on August 1.
The government publicity agency, the department of Information and Public Relations (IPR), issued updates on Thursday informing about the programme.
“As such smoking, chewing and spitting of tobacco in the premises of the hospital are strictly prohibited and is a punishable offence. Use of all forms of tobacco products is prohibited within the hospital, buildings, grounds and parking lots at all time,” the updates stated.
The concept of tobacco-free incorporates all aspects of use of tobacco products such as cigarettes and smokeless tobacco including “spit” tobacco and “E-cigarettes,” the IPR reported.
All staffs of the hospital and patients there who use tobacco, and family members who expose patients to tobacco smoke at home, are “offered support to quit,” the IPR stated. The updates did not elaborate what kind of support that will be provided.
“No tobacco advertising or sponsorship is allowed on the premises. No tobacco products can be sold on the faculty premises. Any violation of this policy is a punishable offence with a fine up to INR 200 as per the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act law.”
Patients, visitors and staff are informed of the tobacco-free zone policy through informative pamphlets and sign boards posted throughout the building, grounds and parking lots. All in concern share responsibility for adhering with and enforcing the policy, the updates stated.
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 or Cotpa 2003 is an Act of the Parliament of India that was enacted in 2003.
It was enacted to prohibit advertisement of, and to provide for the regulation of trade and commerce in, and production, supply and distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products in India.
The Act was enacted by the Parliament to give effect to the resolution passed by the 39th World Health Assembly urging member states to implement measures to provide non-smokers protection from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke.
