PATNA: Bihar government has set up a state tobacco control cell in view of the growing number of deaths due to tobacco-related diseases. National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), which has brought positive impact in other states, will be implemented both in letter and spirit in the state soon.
The government decision to set up a cell follows publication of a report in TOI highlighting virtual non-implementation of the smoking ban in Bihar.
“We have created State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC). National laws are in the process of being strictly implemented,” said principal secretary, health, C K Mishra.
“STCC has collected reports of impact of NTCP from various states. Soon, we will have extensive consultations with the law enforcement agencies (state police) for comprehensive implementation of the laws,” Sanjay Kumar, executive director, State Health Society Bihar (SHSB), said.
SHSB has distributed more than 4000 signage `No smoking area – smoking here is an offence’ for display across the state, particularly in the offices of district magistrate, regional deputy directors, civil surgeon, civil hospitals and medical colleges among others.
Vice-chancellors of all universities have also been asked to put up the `No smoking’ signs at prominent places on the university and colleges premises.
“We are developing radio jingles on tobacco control with technical support from Prasar Bharti and Radio Mirchi. These are expected to be aired very soon,” Sanjay Kumar said, adding “we are also developing posters with different messages on tobacco control to create awareness among college and schools students”.
Narendra Kumar Mishra, incharge of STCC, told TOI, “The printing of challan book is in process. It is likely to be completed very soon.”
The state government is also planning state-level advocacy workshop on tobacco control laws and related issues next month. The guidelines for law enforcement officials and health workers are also being developed by the SHSB.
The tobacco control programme will be implemented on a pilot basis in Patna and Munger districts. “However, DMs and civil surgeons of Darbhanga, Bhojpur, Samastipur, Vaishali and Katihar have also been asked to provide necessary support and cooperation to an NGO – Socio-economic and Educational Development Society – to carry out tobacco control activities in these districts,” senior SHSB official Masood Alam told TOI.
SHSB has updated its website and uploaded the Tobacco Control Act 2003 on its official website (www.statehealthsociety.org).
Read more: Tobacco control cell constituted – The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Tobacco-control-cell-constituted-/articleshow/7101587.cms#ixzz18D4fTMUh