DEF Phek oriented on effects of tobacco

DEF Phek with others after the orientation programme on Tobacco Control and COTPA 2003 held on October 15 in Phek.

Phek, October 22 (MExN): Orientation programme on Tobacco Control and COTPA 2003 was held on October 15 for District Executive Force (DEF) Phek. The officers and jawans were sensitised on the harmful effects of tobacco which are preventable. Speaking as the resource person, Dr Reyosalu Lase Vizo, District Nodal Officer (DNO), NTCP Phek told the gathering that the worst among its harmful effects is oral cancer.

Dr Vizo informed that India has the highest number of oral cancer in the world, 90 percent of which is caused by tobacco. In Nagaland too, many has died of oral cancer and tobacco related diseases, and many more were suffering.

She called upon the jawans to be a role model as they will be the people to go and enforce the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Acts (COTPA) 2003 in the district. She also talked about E-Cigarettes which youth have started using in cities, and that it has to be banned by GOI in order to protect especially the youth. She advised the officials to check for E-cigarettes too when they go for enforcement drives. 

Kutolu Nakro, District Media Officer Phek in a press release stated the programme was chaired by James Ovung, SDPO Phek while invocation was done by Linda Thupitor, women leader, Police Baptist Church DEF Phek. Welcome address was delivered by Tokavi Achumi, Addl SP Phek. Pamphlets on CoTPA, harmful effects of tobacco, no smoking signages and posters on oral cancer were distributed.