Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 12: A divisional-level workshop on the Tobacco Control and Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) was organized by the Directorate of Health Services today.
The event took place in the presence of the Director of Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, who was the chief guest on the occasion.
The workshop was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. Amit Yadav, Deputy Director of Vital Strategies; Dr. Abdul Rouf Bhat, Project Director of the AIDS Control Society, Jammu and Kashmir; and Dr. Mir Mushtaq, the Nodal Officer for the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) in Kashmir.
Dr. Mir Mushtaq provided a detailed presentation on the current status of the NTCP program in the region, highlighting the ongoing efforts and future plans to curb tobacco use and its associated health risks.
In his address, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather emphasized the importance of tobacco control, particularly in protecting children from its harmful influence.
He stressed that children are the future and that it is imperative to ensure they are kept away from tobacco, an addictive substance that can destroy their future and society.
To reinforce the role of effective tobacco control, Dr. Amit Yadav and Dr. Majid Shafi, Nodal Officer NTCP Kashmir, delivered presentations on various provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and PECA.
Their insights covered the legal frameworks and strategies necessary for robust tobacco regulation and public health safety.
The meeting was attended by Chief Medical Officers, DHOs, Medical Superintendents, various NGOs, and stakeholders from various departments committed to tobacco control and public health enhancement.
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