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Chhattisgarh News: To reduce tobacco consumption in Chhattisgarh and protect people from its ill effects, the government is now emphasizing on public participation and better coordination between different departments along with strict adherence to the law. In this direction, under the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), a one-day training workshop was organized on August 13 at Swasthya Bhawan, Nava Raipur.

Emphasis on effective implementation of COTPA law

Main objective of the workshop Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA) had to be implemented effectively on the ground. The program was presided over by Additional Director of Health Services Indrajit Burman. He stressed on strict implementation of legal provisions along with awareness campaigns to reduce tobacco use.

Dr. Chandravali Madan, the keynote speaker of Vital Strategies, who arrived from Mumbai, gave information about the health harms caused by tobacco consumption and measures to keep people away from cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Focus on preventing access of tobacco to minors

During the training, measures to reduce the reach of tobacco products especially to children and minors were discussed. Its objective is to prevent the initiation of tobacco use at an early age.

Dr. Hansa Kandhu of Vital Strategies said that to strengthen the tobacco control law, joint participation of not only the health department but also different departments and institutions is necessary. For this, strengthening multi-sector coordination was discussed.

Preparation to build tobacco free school and village

in the workshop Tobacco Free Communities, Tobacco Free Educational Institutions and Tobacco Free Villages Information about efforts to make it was also given. The progress and updates of MIS to NTCP were reviewed at the district level.

The officers were also informed about ways to ensure compliance with the provisions of COTPA and strengthen surveillance at the field level. The Government aims to take effective grassroots action to reduce the availability, supply and use of tobacco products.

Officers from many departments took training

The workshop was attended by NTCP's district nodal officers, district counselors, social workers, dental surgeons and dentists from the districts along with representatives of the Food and Drug Department and district NGO associates.

According to the Health Department, the campaign against tobacco will not be limited to only government action but people's participation will also be increased. Through strict enforcement of laws, better coordination between departments and public awareness, work will be done towards creating a tobacco-free environment in the state.