Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 24: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Taj Mohi-ud-Din today stressed the need for launching a vigorous campaign against cigarette smoking and use of tobacco products all over the State even as he suggested making Srinagar a model tobacco free district.
Mr. Taj was addressing a seminar on launch of Srinagar as Model District under Tobacco Control Act (COTPA) held here, today.
The seminar was organised by Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) and J&K Voluntary Health Association (JKVHA) in collaboration with district administration.
The Minister said though people are realising the ill effects of smoking, much more needs to be done to eradicate it.
Mr. Taj said once fully executed, Srinagar would be the second smoke free model district, after Gadak district of Karnataka declared as model district under Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act-2003 (COTPA). In this connection, he asked all the sections of society including Government functionaries, voluntary associations and, NGOs to contribute in their respective fields.
District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmed Shah, on the occasion, briefed the Minister about various measures taken against cigarette smoking in and near hospitals, school institutions and other public places.
The Executive Director JKVHA, Ali Mohammad Mir highlighted the main purpose of seminar. HoD Community Medicines SKIMS, Dr. Abdul Majid gave a power point presentation about the concept of model district under COPTA.
Among other who spoke on the occasion, included Principal GMC Srinagar, Prof. Rafiq Pampori; General Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Mrs. Ruma Wani; Drug Controller and other volunteer activists.
Meanwhile, Mr Taj reviewed the status of health infrastructure and manpower in Kishtwar district at meeting of officers today.
Minister of State for Industries & Commerce, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo and MLA, Inderwal, G. M. Saroori were present in the meeting.
The Minister directed repairing of equipments at the District Hospital to make all operation theatres fully functional. He also directed making all ambulances in the district functional by undertaking requisite repairs.
The Minister also directed starting classes at the AMT School, Kishtwar from this year and also early operationalisation of CHC Marwah. He also asked for developing District Hospital Kishtwar as per guidelines of Master Plan and in tune with the requirements of future.
Director, Health Services, Jammu, Dr. Baljeet Pathania, officers of Health Department were present in the meeting.
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