DIMAPUR — The World No Tobacco Day was observed at Phek on May 31, with Deputy Commissioner John Tsulise Sangtam as the special guest at Dr. Wetshelo Mero Memorial Hall, District Hospital, Phek.
In his speech, the DC urged school and college authorities to strictly enforce tobacco prohibition within their institutions. He also advised children to avoid indulging in or being influenced by tobacco or smoking, emphasising the importance of this for their health and successful living.
Speaking on the theme "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference," Dr. Pfukrolo Koza, District Nodal Officer for the National Tobacco Control Programme, discussed the harmful effects of both smokeless and smoking tobacco on human health and the economic lives of people.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Kihito, a dental surgeon at District Hospital, Phek, while Dr. Thungchanbemo Ezung, Medical Superintendent, delivered the welcome address.
CHC Meluri: Community Health Centre (CHC) Meluri observed World No Tobacco Day with an awareness programme at Government Higher Secondary School, Meluri town.
According to an update, Dr. Ngailong L Phom, dental surgeon at CHC Meluri, spoke on the occasion about the harmful effects of tobacco.
He encouraged the students and teachers to choose life, not tobacco, and urged the school to declare itself a ‘tobacco-free school’. He informed them that smokeless tobacco users have a higher risk of oral cancer and stated that tobacco causes 25% of all cancers.
The students also pledged not to consume any tobacco products and to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco to their families and friends. Additionally, an essay competition was held on the theme of the day.