City Level Workshops on Tobacco Control in Gujarat

City Level Workshops on Tobacco Control in Gujarat

by | Jan 29, 2019 | Tobacco

City Level Workshops on Tobacco Control in Gujarat

City level workshop on tobacco control in Morbi, Gujarat  | City level workshop on tobacco control in Jamnagar, Gujarat  | City level workshop on tobacco control in Rajkot, Gujarat

City level workshop on tobacco control in Morbi, Gujarat

Consumer VOICE, Delhi in collaboration with Rajkot Saher Jilla Grahak Suraksha Mandal, in Morbi, Gujarat organised a city level workshop on tobacco control issues (vendor licensing) at Hotel Mahesh, at Morbi on January 9, 2018.
The seminar which was jointly inaugurated by Shri N. M. Dharani – Hon’ble Judge Consumer Court, Rajkot and Shri R. J. Makadia – Hon. District Collector, Morbi, began with a talk by Shri Ashok Koyani , Project Advisor, Rajkot Saher Jilla Grahak Suraksha Mandal on vendor licensing.

Shri Hemant Upadhyay, Advisor, Consumer Voice gave a power point presentation on key findings of the study and highlighted some significant points of COTPA to the participants.

There was a panel discussion on the need and strategies for protecting young generation from the menace of tobacco where experts share their views on the subject matter.

Panelists and their contributions

  • Health Expert Shatish Patel gave his views on the tobacco users and how to reduce tobacco users in society. He also mentioned that he discouraged patients with tobacco products in his clinic.
  • Head Tobacco Control Cell Dr. C. L. Varvadia mentioned that tobacco control cell is doing its best to control tobacco product sale in Morbi city. It is the only way to implement the advisory of the Ministry of health Government of India on tobacco vendors licensing system and ban of E-cigarettes
  • Shri M. N. Dharani – Hon’ble Judge Consumer Court,, Rajkot has suggested to the government for strict implementation of COTPA Act and to issue special direction to the local municipal authorities for vendor licensing.

Shri Karanraj Vaghela- Superintendent of Police, Morbi  could not come because of his unplanned meeting  but sent his best wishes for the programme.

Shri M. N. Dharani Hon’ble Judge Consumer Court, Rajkot and Shri Hemat Upapdhyay, Advisor Consumer Voice addressed the media and its role in tobacco control.

He has also given his valuable his speech with landmark judgment of consumer and violations of the laws on tobacco control in Smart cities

Shri R. J. Makadia-District Collector, Morbi has advised the audience not to  consume and purchase tobacco and also showed importance of strictly implement the system for selling of the tobacco products.

Shri Anilbhai Mehta- Principal Education Sankul of Morbi & Ex-Vice President of Morbi Nagarplika  said  he would provide admission to only those students whose parents and family members are not users of the tobacco products. If every school and college can follow such a rule we will definitely reduce the tobacco users from the society.

Shri S. M. Khatana- District Development Officer, Morbi has shared his experience of having his friends and family members consuming tobacco and the effects it had on them. Being a government official he also tried to implement the tobacco vendors licensing system in Morbi district.

The workshop concluded with open house where the participants asked questions to the dignitaries and experts on the importance of Vendor Licensing and COTPA.

Around 70 participants took part in the workshop. Health experts, tobacco control officials, youth icons, officials from Municipal Corporation, students leaders, media persons, students, CSOs and including activists working on tobacco control attended the workshop.

City level workshop on tobacco control in Jamnagar, Gujarat 

Consumer VOICE, Delhi in collaboration with Rajkot Saher Jilla Grahak Suraksha Mandal, organised a city level workshop on tobacco control issues (vendor licensing) at Hotel Celebration, Jamnagar, on January 10, 2018.

The programme started with an introductory message by Ramben Mavani, President- Rajkot Saher Jilla Grahak Suraksha Mandal (RSJGSM). She threw light on how RSJGSM is working in the state of Gujarat for the implementation of tobacco vendors licensing system in Gujarat.

Shri Ramjibhai Mavani-Ex-MP & Founder, Rajkot Saher Jilla Grahak Suraksha Mandal, Rajkot gave brief introduction about the subject matter.

Shri Hemant Upadhyay, Advisor, Consumer Voice gave a power point presentation on key findings of the study and highlighted some significant points of COTPA to the participants.

There was a panel discussion on the need and strategies for protecting young generation from the menace of tobacco where the following participated.

  • Kalpana Khanderiya, Manging Trustee Cancer Society Jamnagar gave views & suggestions to the participants on how to reduce tobacco users in the city as well as in the State of Gujarat with power point presentation of GATS s report.
  • Bhargav Trivedi, Head of Tobacco Control Cell District Panchayat Jamnagar mentioned about the work done by the cell in the city.
  • S. Seeyed Deputy Superintendent of Police ,Jamnagar gave views as a narcotics control of Jamnagar. He also asked the local people to give support to the police department for the help in the tobacco vendor licensing system and ban of e-cigarettes in Jamnagar city.

Shri M. N. Dharani Hon’ble Judge Consumer Court, Rajkot and Shri Hemat Upapdhyay, Advisor Consumer Voice addressed the media and its role in tobacco control.

Shri H. B. Jethwa-Hon’ble Mayor, Jamnagar and  Smt. Nazma Hala- Counsellor, Tobacco Control-District Panchayat, Jamnagar also shared their views  and showed the importance of  implementation of tobacco vendors licensing system in Jamnagar District.

The workshop concluded with open house where the participants asked questions to the dignitaries and experts on the importance of Vendor Licensing and COTPA.

Around 55 participants took part in the workshop. Health experts, tobacco control officials, youth icons, officials from Municipal Corporation, students leaders, media persons, students, CSOs and including activists working on tobacco control, Consumer and Child right issues actively attended the workshop.

City level workshop on tobacco control in Rajkot, Gujarat 

Consumer VOICE, Delhi in collaboration with Rajkot Saher Jilla Grahak Suraksha Mandal, organised a city level workshop on tobacco control issues (vendor licensing) at Circuit House, Rajkot, on January 11, 2018.

The programme started with an introductory message by Shri Ashok Koyani advisor, Rajkot Saher Jilla Grahak Suraksha Mandal who shared information about the objective of the  workshop and the number of tobacco vendors of Rajkot City as well as violation and penalty structure of COTPA.

Mr. Ramjibhai Mavani, trustee, Rajkot Saher Jilla Grahak Suraksha Mandal and former MP said that in Gujarat around 25% people use tobacco, which is a serious concern. “We need to be proactive in saving our future generation from tobacco by strict enforcement of COTPA, by having mandatory tobacco vendor licensing system in Gujarat.”

The seminar which was presided by Smt. Ramaben Mavani-Ex-MP and president, Rajkot Saher Jilla Grahak Suraksha Mandal was jointly inaugurated by Shri M. V. Gohel -Hon Justice, Consumer Forum Rajkot and Dr. Vallabhabhai R. Kathiria – Hon. Ex-Union Minister Government of India.

Shri Hemant Upadhyay- Advisor, Consumer Voice gave presentation on key findings of the study on tobacco vendors through PPT .

There was a panel discussion on the need and strategies for protecting the young generation from the menace of tobacco where Doctor Dr. V. K. Gupta, – Rajkot Cancer hospital, MD. Dr. Nilesh Rathod-Health Medical officer Tobacco Control Cell, Rajkot Jilla Panchayat Police Official, Shri Manoharsinhji Jadeja Hon. Dy. Commissioner of Police, Rajkot  and Shri M. V. Gohel, Hon’ble Judge Consumer Court, gave their valuable suggestions on the subject.

Shri M. N. Dharani Hon’ble Judge Consumer Court, Rajkot and Shri Hemat Upapdhyay, Advisor Consumer Voice requested the media to support the initiative in the interest of the general public.

Dr. Dinkar Raval Dy. Director Health-Dept. Gandhinagar shared his views on tobacco control in Gujarat state.

Dr. Pankaj Rathod, Health Officer Rajkot Municipal Corporation Rajkot who was the chief guest for the occasion, spoke about the role of municipal bodies in tobacco control.

The workshop concluded with open house where the participants asked questions to the dignitaries and experts on the importance of Vendor Licensing and COTPA.

Around 72 participants took part in the workshop which included health experts, tobacco control officials, youth icons, officials from Municipal Corporation, students leaders, media persons, students, CSOs and including activists working on tobacco control, Consumer and Child right issues actively attended the workshop.

Click here for Media Coverage of City level workshop in Gujarat

National Release of the “Big Tobacco Tiny Targets” Study

National Release of the “Big Tobacco Tiny Targets” Study

by | Jan 23, 2019 | Tobacco

National Release of the “Big Tobacco Tiny Targets” Study

The National release of the Big Tobacco Tiny Targets study took place in the event held at the Constitution Club, New Delhi on 16th January 2019.

The event witnessed participation from World Health Organisation (WHO), MoHFW, Vital Strategies, PHFI, Indian Cancer Society, The Union, CTFK India Team, Sambandh Foundation Voice of Tobacco Victims( VOTV), 20 Students from 6 Delhi Schools and Teachers, All India Parents Association, Govt School Teachers Association for Delhi, Nursery Admissions Forum, Child line Foundation, Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights. Govt. of NCT of Delhi.
The event started with the technical presentation of the findings of  the study jointly by Mr.Ashim Sanyal, COO, Voluantry Organization In Interest of Consumer Education and  Ms.Bhavana ,COO, Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI). The presentation detailed out the findings of Tiny Target report findings along with the recommendations.

Shri Vijay Goel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Statistics and Programme Implementation spoke about the ill-effects of tobacco use amongst children. He believes that tobacco control is a big task despite government support as tobacco companies are powerful. He said that such good initiatives should develop into a mass movement /campaign to address. He also offered his support for the campaign.

Professor M.V. Rajeev Gowda, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, narrated his journey of tobacco use and how in India one has come a long way banning smoking in public places but still lot needs to be done to protect youth from tobacco use. He also spoke about the tobacco industry tactics which are seen globally and warned that students are easy targets. He engaged with the students and audience very well.

Students from Bluebells School International, New Delhi spoke about the aggressive marketing tactics being used by tobacco companies especially targeting young children and young adults and how important it is for schools to generate awareness about the harmful use of tobacco. They also spoke about the peer pressure, vaping, Jules, Hookahs and the role of social media. They requested the dignitaries on the dais and other members of the gathering to protect them and the future generations from the ill-effects of tobacco and the aggressive promotions of tobacco industry.

A photo-op was done very imaginatively with school children holding placards, wearing t-shirts and badges.
Dr Pawan Gupta, Surgical Oncologist at Max Hospitals warned the audience that tobacco use harms the body in one or the other way even if it doesn’t lead to cancer. Tobacco victim, Mr. Gaurav Bhatura who underwent a recent surgery and is a cancer survivor spoke about the harmful effects of smoking and that it is not ‘cool’ to smoke.

Advocate Ashok Agarwal, National President of All India Parents Association and Shri C.P. Singh, President, Govt School Teachers Association both highlighted the challenges regarding law enforcement, both inside and outside schools. They laid stress on the fact that far more stringent policies and measures are needed to curb this menace.

Ms Rita Singh, Member, Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights highlighted the campaigns run by the Delhi Govt for other addictive substances and shared that similar campaigns for tobacco products need to be initiated and requested all stakeholders to inform the Government of violations on the 1098 helpline as well.

Around 25 representatives were present from different Media houses, both electronic and print.  Media gave very good coverage to the event and supported the cause There was wide range of appreciation received from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, WHO and Civil Society.

Click here for the media coverage on various newspapers

Click here for the latest media updates on Tiny Target

Big Tobacco-Tiny Targets

Big Tobacco-Tiny Targets

by | Jan 15, 2019 | Tobacco

As it is a known fact that tobacco consumption is not only harmful but also one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Tobacco use is estimated to cause more than 13 lakh deaths in India annually. One in 10 deaths in India is attributable to tobacco use.  Per day, the number of tobacco-related deaths in India is 3,700 – almost 154 per hour.Tobacco companies are using  vendors and  targeting  children around schools  through dirty tactics such as point of sale advertising, distribution of free samples (tobacco products), discounted products etc.

Background

Tiny Targets Study is part of a campaign which aims to provide children with safe tobacco-free learning environments by documenting tobacco marketing near schools, mobilizing educators and students to take action, and urging governments to enact and implement comprehensive tobacco control laws.

In India, Consumer Voice and Voluntary Health Association of India conducted a Tiny Targets study to determine the extent of tobacco products being marketed and sold around schools in India. A total sample of 243 schools and 487 points of sale were closely surveyed during this study in these 20 cities.

Objectives of the Study

  • To gather additional evidence regarding tobacco products being sold around educational institutions,
  • To assess COTPA compliance near educational institutions,
  • To expose Tobacco Industry tactics to target children.
  • Nearly 37% children in India initiate smoking before the age of 10, and each day 5500 children begin tobacco use and consequently may become addicted.
  • According to The Global Adult Tobacco Survey; India (2016-17), by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), nearly 28.6% of adults (15 years and above, use tobacco products.
  • According to The Global Youth Tobacco Survey India, 14.6% of 13 -15 year old students in India use tobacco. As many as 11% of all male students surveyed were found to be users of smoking or smokeless tobacco, while 6% of female students used smokeless tobacco and 3.7% smoked tobacco.
  • India was among the first countries to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2004. Indian enacted comprehensive tobacco control legislation, entitled, “The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of trade and commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003” (COTPA).
  • As per Section 6 of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA), there is a ban on the sale of tobacco to and by minors.
  • Under Section 6 (b) of COTPA, the sale of tobacco products is prohibited in an area within a radius of 100 yards of any educational institutions and mandatory signage in this regard should be displayed prominently near the main gate and on the boundary wall of the school institute.

Click here for the fact-sheet

To Read More on Tobacco Intervention Click Here

WORKSHOP UPDATES

Big Tobacco, Tiny Targets Study 2020

On 12th January, on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary, which is also celebrated as National Youth Day, the report of Big Tobacco, Tiny Targets Study 2020 was released online. The study was conducted across 1011 educational institutions and 885 points of sale were investigated…

READ MORE

All Updates
World No Tobacco Day 2018

World No Tobacco Day 2018

by | Jun 9, 2018 | Tobacco

World No Tobacco Day 2018

WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY 2018 –  GOA

DATE: 30 MAY 2018
STATE PARTNER- NATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR TOBACCO ERADICATION (NOTE)

To celebrate World No Tobacco Day Consumer VOICE along with its partner organisation NOTE India organised public event on May 30th 2018 to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco, tobacco industry tactics and the need for effective tobacco control polices and measures in state of Goa in association with the Department of Public health, & Goa Dental College.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Advisor Legal & Projects, Consumer VOICE in the presence of Dr. Rupa Naik CMO &in charge non- communicable disease cell GHS, Dr. MaximianoD’SA, CMO RNTCP, Dr AmitaKamat from dental college and Dr. Shekhar Salkar Secretary NOTE India.

Dr Salkar gavea presentation on the ill effects of tobacco. Mr. Amarjeet Singh spoke about tobacco control policies and stressed the need of policy change to have tobacco vendor licensing and prohibition of sale of single cigarettesto save younger generation from tobacco trap. Dr Rupa Naik presents data of national tobacco control program in Goa.

Dr AmitaKamat presented role of dentist and what their dental college is doing for tobacco control.  Mr Richards from FDA Dept highlighted what he has done for implementing Goa Public Health Act and COTPA.

Two award winning films of 2017 were shown to the participants. Workshop was attended by around 80 people including the stakeholders. Finally, Dr Salkar concluded by stressingthe need of community participation and to have a program on the line of traffic sentinel project which is a great success. People can take a photo and send to the enforcing agency or NGOand thenthe agency will take care of the complaint. Methodology will be worked out after speaking to Collector and DGP of Goa state and the government.

On 31st May,an award ceremonywas organized along with the screening of anti-tobacco film during second anti-tobacco festival. It had 42 entries from all over India either for 2 minutes advertisement or 8 minutes short film. This was organised by Entertainment Society of Goa with public health Dept and Goa Dental College. Gokarma oncological Medical trust sponsoring the show. Dr. Salkar was one of the jury to select the best film.

ONLINE MEDIA COVERAGE

Times of India

 

Gomantak Marathi Daily

Gadoot Marathi Daily

Gomantak Times

NavHind Times

NavHind Times

O’Herald

Times Of India

WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY 2018 – MOHALI, PUNJAB

DATE:31 MAY 2018
STATE PARTNER- CITIZENS AWARENESS GROUP

Citizens Awareness Group, in collaboration with Consumer VOICE, organised a seminar at Hotel Mirage in Sector 70, Mohali, Punjab on May 31, 2018. The seminar involved experts and local authorities who deliberated on ill-effects of tobacco and the increased consumption in Punjab.The event was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Shri Balbir Singh Sidhu, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Labour Minister government of Punjab.Surinder Verma, Chairman, Citizens Awareness Group, said that every year this day reminds us of the need to spread awareness on the ill-effects of tobacco. While welcoming the delegates he said, it was indeed a pleasure to have experts and senior government functionaries to deliberate on the issue.

Balbir Singh Sidhu, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Labour Minister said while the government has been taking all steps to spread awareness about ill-effects of tobacco, when NGOs also take up the cause, it always helps in reaching out to the general public in an effective manner. Rita Bhardwaj, Chief Medical Officer, spoke on the measures being taken to curb the menace and also shared details on cancer cases being reported at government hospitals.Dr. S.P.Sureela, Chief Medical Officer (Retd.) spoke on the ill effects of Tobacco and laid stress on the provision of COTPA. He also requested the local residents to help in taking action against vendors violating the rules.

Addressing the audience Ekta Purohit Manager Projects & CSR Consumer VOICE said that the GATS 2017 data shows increase in tobacco consumption in the state of Punjab.This indicates the need for more stringent provisions of the COTPA and need of policies like vendor licensing.Dr Ashish Arora, Consultant Internal Medicine, Paras Bliss Hospital, Panchkula said that tobacco chewing and smoking is a major modifiable health risk factor.  It is responsible for oral diseases including oral and gastrointestinal cancers, precancerous conditions, pulmonary disease, cardiovascular diseases, stroke. Smoking (Bidi and Cigarettes) and tobacco use (in other forms) leads to premature deaths because of various diseases caused by its use. Dr. Rajendra P Shetty, Senior Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterology, Paras Bliss Hospital, Panchkula said, Tobacco addiction is very difficult to get rid of and is one of the leading cause of death. Smoking can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, reproductive problems, dental diseases, cancer in lungs, throat, stomach, mouth and pancreas. Shri. P.S.Virdi, President of Mohali Consumer Federation also spoke on ill effects of Tobacco and requested the audience to take pledge to stay away from Tobacco.The event was attended by more than 60 people including, doctors, representatives from media, local residents, NGO volunteers and social activists.The seminar ended with question answer session followed by lunch.

ONLINE MEDIA COVERAGE

Electronic Coverage

  Bharat News Live

     

    Rozana Spokeperson

    Punjab Kesari

    Punjabi Tribune

    Punjabi Jagran

    The Pioneer

    Jagmarg News

    Jagbani

    Hindustan Times

    Dainik Bhaskar

    Amar Ujala

    Aaj Samaj

    Times Of India

    Dainik Jagran

    Dainik Savera

    Ajit Samachar

    WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY 2018 – VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH

    DATE:31 MAY 2018
    STATE PARTNER- CONSUMERS GUIDANCE SOCIETY

    The Consumers Guidance Society, Vijayawada in collaboration with the Consumer VOICE organised an open house discussion on 31st May to markthe World No Tobacco Day2018 at the conference Hall, Press Club, Gandhinagar, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The inaugural function of the workshop was presided over by Dr. P V V S Murthy, President, Andhra Pradesh Federation of Consumer Organizations.

    Around 80 participants from different walks of life, representing civil society organisations, academia, trade bodies, consumer organisations took part in the event. Shri Hemant Upadhyay, Advisor IT and Projects, ConsumerVOICE made a power point presentation regarding the deleterious effects of tobacco on the health and well-being of people, thesocial, economic and ecological costs of tobacco on the society and pro-active initiatives already made by some State Governments and Municipal Corporations by designing and implementing vendor licensing for Tobacco and its allied products.

    Dr. Kannan, Professor and Dean, Narayana Medical College, Nelloreand arenowned Anti- Tobacco interventionist shared his vast experience with the victims of tobacco consumption as an interventionist and the factors that motivate people to take to tobacco consumption both smoke and smokeless. Dr.A. Jaya Prakash, JointSecretary, A.P. Federation of Consumer Organisations spoke on the easy availability of Tobacco and allied products to children and youth in the nearbyschools, colleges and religious places and the need to put in place compulsory vendor licensing to keep the children and youth away from the influence of these hazardous products. Dr. Ch. Divakarbabu, Secretary, Consumers Guidance Society spoke on the need to design and implement holistic governmental policies in addressing the issueeffectively by integrating anti-tobacco programme in every tobacco related National disease policy. Some of the valuable suggestions put forward by the participants were implementing of Vendor Licensing and COTPA.

    ONLINE MEDIA COVERAGE

    A.P. should introduce tobacco vendor licensing

       

      Andhra Bhoomi

      Andhra Prabha

      Eanadu

      Sakshi Telugu

      The Hans India

      The Hindu

      Vishal Andhra

      WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY 2018 – AMBALA, HARYANA

      DATE:31 MAY 2018
      STATE PARTNER- CITIZENS AWARENESS GROUP

      To commemorate the World No Tobacco Day, Citizens Awareness Group, in collaboration with Consumer VOICE, organised a public event at Hotel Indian Roller, Ambala Cantt, Haryana. The event highlightedill-effects of tobacco, need of effective tobacco control policies including vendor licensing and growing consumption of tobacco in Haryana.

      The inaugural address was delivered by Surinder Verma, Chairman, Citizens Awareness Group, who stressed the need of awareness among people and ill effects of Tobacco.

      Brig. (Dr.) Rajeshwar Singh, Director Medical Oncology from IVY Hospital Mohali was the Chief Guest. Dr. Rajeshwar spoke on the ill effects of tobacco. Dr.Singh elaborated about the various diseases including cancer caused by the usage of Tobacco. He also spoke on precaution and regular checkup to avoid cancer.Addressing the audience Ekta Purohit, Manager Projects & CSR,Consumer VOICE shared the data of Haryana Tobacco users, she also emphasized how small children are targeted to consume this poison. ArchanaPuri, social activist highlighted about the menace of tobacco through her poems.The event was attended by more than 80 people which included students, doctors, media persons, local residents andrepresentatives from civil societies.The workshop ended with question and answer session followed by high tea.

      MEDIA COVERAGE

         

        Ajit Samachar

        Amar Ujala

        City Media

        Dainik Bhaskar

        Dainik Jagran

        Din Pratidin

        Dainik Bhaskar

        Tatkal News

        United News of India

        Veer Arjun

        Veer Arjun

        Bharat Live

        WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY 2018 – JAMSHEDPUR, JHARKHAND

        DATE:31 MAY 2018
        STATE PARTNER- JANAKI FOUNDATION

        The Janaki Foundation, along with Consumer VOICE organised the World No Tobacco Day event on 31st Mayat Tulsi Bhawan, Jamshedpur. It was attended by 50+ persons from various walks of life. Mr. Ashish Kumar inaugurated the session with a welcome address to all the participants. Dr. Maheshwar Prasad, District Civil Surgeon, East Singhbhum was the Chief Guest. He blessed the event by lighting the lamp.He spoke about the ill effects of tobacco usage on the cardiovascular system.

        VOICE Representative Mr. Amrit Sindhu also enlightened the audience on the tactics deployed by Tobacco industry and the harm caused due to 2nd & 3rd hand smoke. The session was moderated by Mr. A.K.Tiwari, CEO, JF and Mr. Ashok, Dy. Registrar, Cooperatives, Govt. of Jharkhand. The roundtable discussion ended with question answer session followed by lunch. Media people raised questions on the current status of tobacco control in the state.

        MEDIA COVERAGE

           

          Dainik Jagran

          Hindustan

          Live Hindustan

          Prabhat Khabar

          Uditwani

          Tobacco Breaks Hearts

          by | May 29, 2018 | Tobacco

          Tobacco smoking is harmful and causes cancer. But did you know that smoking isa major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) too. CVD causes one of every three deaths, according to the 2014 Surgeon General’s Report on smoking and health. Recognising this warning, WHO will be focusing on the impact of tobacco on cardiovascular health this World No Tobacco Day which will be observed on 31st May, 2018.

          In India, every year, more than 9 lakh people are killed because of tobacco causing diseases. Yet, in India, more than 6 lakh children (10-14 years old) and almost 100,000,000 adults (15+ years old) continue to use tobacco each day.  (Source: tobacco atlas)

          Tobacco Use in India

          • 19.0% of men, 2.0% of women and 10.7% (99.5 million) of all adults currently smoke tobacco.
          • 29.6% of men, 12.8% of women and 21.4% (199.4 million) of all adults currently use smokeless tobacco.
          • 42.4% of men, 14.2% of women and 28.6% (266.8 million) of all adults currently use tobacco (smoked and/or smokeless tobacco).

          Source: GATS

          Many call themselves a non-frequent smoker. But even if you smoke less than 5 cigarettes, early signs of CVD can set in. Even if you are smoking cigarettes with lower levels of tar or nicotine it does not reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.  Smokeless tobacco is no less harmful. In India, 171094600 people still currently use smokeless tobacco, indicating an ongoing public health challenge.

          Smoking Damages your Heart

           

          Atherosclerosis

          Any amount of smoking, even light smoking or occasional smoking can bring about serious damage to the heart and blood vessels. For some people, such as women who use birth control pills and people who have diabetes, smoking poses an even greater risk to the heart and blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is caused when the opening inside the arteries narrows as plaque builds up, and blood can no longer flow properly to various parts of the body. Smoking increases the formation of plaque in blood vessels.

          Stroke

          Smokers are at a greater risk of strokes than among former smokers or people who have never smoked. The carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood. This means your heart must pump harder to supply the body with the oxygen it needs.

          Peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.)

          Smoking also is a major risk factor for peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.). In this condition, plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the head, organs, and limbs. This results in an increased risk for heart disease leading to heart attack, and stroke.

          When combined with other risk factors—such as unhealthy blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and overweight or obesity—smoking further raises the risk of heart disease.

          Second Hand Smoking is equally harmful

          Research shows that exposure to second hand tobacco smoke is a cause of heart disease in non-smokers, which means you could be harming the health of your children, partner or friends.Secondhand smoke lowers good cholesterol, raises blood pressure and damages heart tissues of non-smokers especially children and teens.

          Secondhand Smoke in India

          • 38.7% of adults were exposed to second hand smoke at home.
          • 30.2% of adults who work indoors are exposed to second-hand smoke at their workplace.
          • 7.4% of adults were exposed to second hand smoke at restaurants.

          Source: GATS

          Quit Now

          Smoking damages the heart and blood vessels very quickly, but it can be repaired by quitting. Remarkable health improvements can be seen and within a year, heart attack risk drops dramatically. Within five years, most smokers cut their risk of stroke to nearly that of a non-smoker. Even a few cigarettes now and then damage the heart, so the only way to keep your heart safe from the effects of smoking is to quit.

          The good news is 55.4% of current smokers in India are planning or thinking of quitting smoking and 49.6% of current smokeless tobacco users are planning or thinking of quitting smokeless tobacco use.  (Source: GATS)

          With World No Tobacco Day being observed on May 31st in India along with the rest of the world, Consumer VOICE along with its state partners hope to create an impact and dissuade people from using tobacco in all forms.

          Press Meet on Tobacco Intervention at Chennai Press Club on 27 th Feb 2018

          by | Mar 31, 2018 | Tobacco

          Consumer VOICE organized press interaction meet in collaboration with state partner Consumers Association of India at Chennai, Tamil Nadu on February 27, 2018 at Press Club Chennai. The main objective of the workshop was to sensitize the media and discuss the most pressing issues in Tobacco Intervention and how media can play an effective role in tobacco control. Consumer VOICE discussed about COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) and its various provisions, accessibility of tobacco products to youth and how effective enforcement can help in tobacco control.

          India has the second largest number of current tobacco users (275 million) in the world. Of these at least 10 lakhs are dying each year from tobacco related diseases. Around 35 % population of Tamil Nadu use some form of tobacco and the number of tobacco users is rising with each passing year.

          Ms. Rinki Sharma, Head -Projects & CSR, Consumer VOICE and Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Advisor, Legal & Projects along with Ms. Nirmala Desikan, Chairman, Consumers Association of India and Mr. Somasundaram (Liaison Officer) addressed and interacted with the media.

          Media Persons from various electronic, print and online platforms participated in the Press Meet:

          Electronic 
          • Malai Murasu TV
          •  Vasanth TV
          • Dinamalar.com
          • Lotus TV
          • Tamil Hindu.com
          • Jaya TV
          • B4Umedia.com
          Online
          • Krishna TV Online 
          • Flower Online
          •  Scroll.in
          • Dinamani Online
          Print 
          • Dinamalar TNV Edition
          • Kungumam Doctor fortnightly magazine
          • Dinamalar Chennai Edition
          • Dinakaran 
          • News Today
          • Malaisudar Tamil Daily
          • New Indian Express Englih Daily
          • Dinamani
          • The Hindu
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