SEPPA, Aug 31: Thousands of students were sensitized to the ill-effects of tobacco consumption and made aware of various sections of the COTP Act (COTPA) during a series of awareness camps organised by the East Kameng District Tobacco Control Cell at various schools in Seppa and Bana on Tuesday.
During the campaign, consultant Yama Potom sensitized the participants to the COTPA’s provisions, and warned the participants that if anyone violates any of the provisions, the head of the institution may impose a penalty of Rs 200. She urged the heads of institutions to implement the COTPA in their respective schools.
NTCP DPO Dr K Gyadi, who supervised the campaign, made PowerPoint presentations on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, and the global burden of tobacco use. He informed that 6.5 million people die every year globally because of tobacco consumption.
Terming tobacco use “the single largest cause of all non-communicable killer diseases,” Dr Gyadi stressed on the need to create awareness among the youths on tobacco products and their ill-effects.
Psychologist Likha Jirdam informed that a tobacco cessation clinic has been established at the district hospital in Seppa, where services like counselling and pharmacology treatment are provided to those who want to quit, and asked the participants to avail the service. (DIPRO)
