No Tobacco Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 31 2014 :
As in other parts of the globe, World No Tobacco Day was observed in the State today.
In a function jointly organised by District Tobacco Control Cell, Imphal West and State Medical Directorate, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Chief Medical Officer Dr L Swasthichoran and District AIDS Control Officer (I/W) Dr S Gopal were the chief guest and president respectively.
Imphal West Chief Medical Officer Dr S Bimolakumari and MD Chest of JNIMS, Dr Ch Debeshor also attended the function as guests of honour.
The observance was held at RD Wing Lamphelpat under the theme, 'Free 100 minutes for a tobacco free India' and 'Rise Taxes on Tobacco' .
Speaking at the occasion, Dr L Swasthichoron said that people are still smoking and consuming tobacco although it is known to everybody that tobacco not only takes lives but also gives different diseases and disorders.
Saying that imposing heavy taxes on the manufacture of tobacco items does not seem to have served its intended purpose as people keep on purchasing and using it, Dr Swasthichoron said that Manipur is lucky that the State does not have any tobacco manufacturing plant.
Indian Medical Association (IMA), Manipur State Branch, Health Education Bureau of State Medical Directorate and Regional Cancer Centre (RIMS & VOTV) also jointly observed World No Tobacco Day at IMA Hall.
PH Medical Directorate Additional Director Dr Th Robindro and IMA Manipur State Branch president Dr Th Dhabali were the chief guest and president of the function.
Dr Th Tomcha and Dr L Jaichand of RIMS spoke on tobacco related diseases at the function while Dr K Komolini delivered speech on raise of tobacco tax.