Meeting for implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3 policy held in Kohima

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 2 

The first executive meeting of the Empowered Committee for the implementation of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Article 5.3 policy was held at Nagaland’s Secretariat Conference Hall of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima on November 2 under the chairmanship of V. Kezo, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare and chairman of the Empowered Committee of Nagaland.

In June 2023, through Order NO.HFW/B/TCL/2008/406 dated Kohima 16th June 2023, the Government of Nagaland officially established the Empowered Committee for the implementation of the WHO FCTC Article 5.3 policy within the state.

This Empowered Committee was formed with the primary objective of safeguarding public health policies from the undue influence of the tobacco industry and to counteract any exploitation of the vulnerable young population of the state by the tobacco industry.

To uphold these principles, a comprehensive code of conduct/protocol was adopted.

This code applies to all government officials and representatives of Nagaland, outlining the guidelines for interactions with the tobacco industry.

It describes the permissible and impermissible engagements, such as forming partnerships or receiving contributions from tobacco companies. Furthermore, it addresses mechanisms to prevent conflicts of interest and outlines procedures for reporting any violations of the code of conduct.

The main aim of this code of conduct is to ensure strict compliance by tobacco industry representatives when engaging with government officials and policy makers, and vice versa.

It is to be mentioned that India is a signatory to the WHO FCTC treaty where Article 5.3 of the treaty mandates parties to remain vigilant and well-informed about the tobacco industry's attempts to undermine or subvert tobacco control efforts.

The policy encourages limited interactions with the tobacco industry, only when it is strictly necessary to effectively regulate the tobacco industry and its products.

During the first meeting of the Empowered Committee, representatives from various stakeholder departments and members of the committee engaged in discussions concerning the introduction and implementation of the code of conduct.

Further, they also deliberated on the topic of vendor licensing for tobacco products within the state.

This proactive approach signifies the state's commitment to robust tobacco control and public health protection.