Srinagar oct. 22 (KNS): Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir under National Tobacco Control Programme conducted State level Workshop on Emerging issues such as Drug De-Addiction, Tobacco Vendor licensing, Tobacco free Generations and Tobacco Cessation at Institute of Hotel Management, Rajbagh, Srinagar. The workshop focused on sensitization of stakeholders regarding Tobacco control and Drug De-Addiction. The workshop began with welcome address by Deputy Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Nishat Shaheen.
Director Health Services, Kashmir Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rather in his opening remarksswhile addressing the workshop directed that to reduce the menace of tobacco usage among youths, Counselling and Cessation facilities needs to be availed by the general masses as Tobacco is the gateway to drugs. Integration of Tobacco control activities with other programmes such as National Mental Health Programmes and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is of utmost importance so as to benefit the masses at large.
Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr Saleem Rehman also graced the workshopas. While delivering the concluding adressHe stressed on strict implementation of COTPA-2003 and WHO-FCTC Article 5.3 and Tobacco Vendor licensing. He stressed that coordination of implementing agencies is the need of hour for strengthening of National Tobacco Control Programme.
Resource persons Dr Majid Shafi , Psychaitrist sensitized the participants through powerpoint presentation regarding Drug De-Addiction and Tobacco Cessation. Dr Mirdula Singh, Nodal Officer, NTCP, Jammu gave brief lecture on Tobacco Free Educational Institutions, Dr Nabeel on Health hazards of Tobacco and Dr Mohd Naser, State Coordinator, Tobacco Control on Tobacco Vendor licensing and Tobacco free Generations.
Other who participated included Deputy Director Dentistry Dr. Jahan Zehab, Assistant Director Dr.Kousar Amin, Joint Commissioner Municipality, Mr Syed Qasim,Dr.Mir Mushtaq spokesman DHSKrepresentatives from Department of Health, Education, Civil Society and media.(KNS)