SRINAGAR: Directorate Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) observed World No Tobacco Day here yesterday in which the participants took a pledge for quitting smoking and supporting the anti-tobacco campaign in Kashmir Valley.
To commemorate the global celebration, a grand function was organized by State Tobacco Control Unit at Government Dental College where prominent personalities including Secretary of Tribal Affairs, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, renowned Doctor, Dr Sushil Razdan, and International cricketers Parvez Rasool were nominated as anti-tobacco campaign ambassadors.
The function was attended by Secretary of Health and Medical Education, Bhupinder Kumar, Mission Director NHM, Ayuhsi Sudhan, Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Principal Government Medical College Srinagar, Dr Masood Tanveer, Principal Government Dental College, Dr. Reyaz Farooq, Director Ayush, Dr. Mohan Singh, and Dr. Tabasum Jabeen Director Family Welfare among others.
The dignitaries also released an annual magazine edited and drafted by State Tobacco Control Unit.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary of Health and Medical Education, Bhupinder Kumar, said the day is being observed to educate people about the harmful effects of tobacco use.
He said that due to the consistent anti-tobacco campaign and anti-tobacco laws smoking in the open is on the decline in J&K.
Dr Razdan, through a video message, vowed to fight for tobacco control measures in J&K.
Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary thanked the health department for choosing them as anti-tobacco campaign ambassadors. He hoped that their involvement will be of great help in reducing smoking and tobacco consumption.
MD NHM lauded the efforts of the health department for taking the anti-tobacco campaign to the nook and corner of Kashmir. She said that awareness and education are important to curb the menace of smoking. She said a coordinated effort is needed to reduce smoking and tobacco use.
Director of Health Services Kashmir said smoking is a gateway to drug abuse as almost all drug abusers start from smoking.
Principal Government Medical College, Dr. Masood Tanveer enumerated the adverse effects of tobacco on health. Dr Mir Mushtaq nodal officer gave a detailed presentation about the tobacco control activities of the Directorate of health services.
