Jammu and Kashmir Voluntary Health Association in collaboration with Voluntary Health Association of India, and District Administration Baramulla on Wednesday, organized a sensitization programme of community members, civil Society Volunteers, ASHAs, ANMs, NCC, NYKs, Civil Defence volunteers, PRI members, Imams, Students and Transporters at Government Degree College, Boys, Baramulla here today.Minister of State for Science and Technology Feroz Ahmad khan was the Chief Guest.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that smoking in public places is prohibited under law and stressed on the need to educate masses in general and youth in particular about the ill effects of smoking. He laid emphasis on developing tobacco free culture in society with special focus on school going children. He also appreciated the initiative of the voluntary Health Association for their efforts on tobacco control in Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama and Baramulla districts.
On the occasion, Experts gave valuable insights about tobacco and its ill effects. Dr. Ab Majeed, Assistant Professor, Communicable Diseases SKIMS and Shabir Ahmad Lone, Food Safety Officer, Srinagar highlighted various health related issues associated with smoking and also detailed various provisions of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA, 2003), through a power point presentation.Among other Ex Director, JKVHDA A. M. Mir, Additional Dy Commissioner, Baramulla Sukriti Jain, Programme Officer, A. K. Wani, Sr. programme Manager and Students of various Institutes were also present.