Adopt scientific approach for tobacco de-addiction: MD NHM Dr. Sidana
The trend of tobacco consumption among youth is worrying, solution will be found through coordinated efforts: MD NHM Dr. Sidana
Running awareness campaigns in educational institutions is very important for tobacco control: MD NHM Dr. Sidana
State level small working group meeting held in National Tobacco Control Program
Bhopal
Managing Director of National Health Mission, Dr. Saloni Sidana said that the tendency of tobacco consumption among the youth is a serious problem. The values that children receive in childhood remain with them throughout their life. Running awareness campaigns in educational institutions is extremely important for tobacco control. Dr. Sidana said that NHM, in collaboration with the Education Department, will run a massive awareness campaign for tobacco control in schools under the ‘UMANG Programme’. In the meeting of the State Level Small Working Group under the National Tobacco Control Program on Thursday at NHM office, Bhopal, the activities conducted, current status and future action plan were discussed.
M.D. Dr. Sidana directed that efforts should be made with departmental coordination to ensure effective implementation of COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) and ToFEI (Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions) guidelines. He said that scientific approach should be adopted to get rid of tobacco addiction and tobacco users should also be provided support in de-addiction campaign as per the National Mental Health Policy. Guidance should also be provided to tobacco users through the wellness program of the AYUSH department. Wellness activities like yoga, meditation etc. will help in strengthening the mind mentally and getting rid of the addiction of tobacco consumption.
MD NHM directed TB control cells in the districts to coordinate with tobacco control programs. Along with this, he was asked to do priority screening of tobacco users under the National Oral Health Program and National Cancer Control Program. Senior Joint Director Dr. Pragya Tiwari, Executive Director of Madhya Pradesh Voluntary Health Association Mukesh Kumar Sinha and officials of State Level Small Working Group of various departments were present.
