Initiative To Make Government Institutions Tobacco-Free Zones

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: In its continued effort to ensure tobacco-free zones in schools, medical and government offices, the West Siang district Tobacco Control Cell, Enforcement Squad and head of offices on Tuesday reviewed the course of action under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Sachan.

The DC stressed on holding awareness campaigns at all level and putting up hoardings on the ban of tobacco products in the local dialect at all sensitive locations, an official communiqué informed here.

She also instructed the Tax and Excise department to cancel all ‘ghumtis’ operating at different locations indulging in sale of tobacco products.

District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr Moli Riba said that it is always important to evolve a coordinating mechanism to implement the rule in all government institutions through enforcement squads and flying squads in the district.

Dr J Kato gave detailed deliberations on the COPTA Act 2003, the campaign launched so far in the district and declaration of tobacco free zones through a Power Point presentation while Miti Gammeng, psychologist of DTCC elaborated on the role of civil society in checking the use of tobacco products in public places.

Yomcha, Darak, General Hospital Aalo and Town Middle School have already been declared as tobacco-free zones, the communiqué added.

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