Preparations to tighten the noose on tobacco, Chhattisgarh will become tobacco-free with strict implementation of COTPA

Raipur. To curb tobacco consumption and protect people from its ill effects, emphasis is now being placed on effective implementation of law, public participation, and multi-sectoral coordination in Chhattisgarh. Under the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), a one-day orientation-cum-training workshop was organized on Thursday at Swasthya Bhawan, Nava Raipur, regarding the strict implementation of the 'Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003' (COTPA). The workshop was presided over by Additional Director, Health Services, Shri Indrajeet Barman.

Dr. Chandrawali Madan, the main speaker from Vital Strategies, Mumbai, provided information on the health damage caused by tobacco consumption and ways to keep people away from cigarettes and other tobacco products. Dr. Hansa Kandu of Vital Strategies shared her thoughts on the need for multi-sectoral participation of various departments and organizations to strengthen the tobacco control law in the state. During the training, special discussions were held on measures to reduce the access and availability of tobacco products to minors, in order to prevent the initiation of tobacco use at a young age.

The workshop reviewed efforts towards tobacco-free communities, tobacco-free educational institutions, and tobacco-free villages, as well as the progress and updates of MIS at the district level. Officials were given necessary information related to the effective enforcement of COTPA provisions and strengthening monitoring at the ground level. Additional Director Shri Indrajeet Barman emphasized enforcing statutory provisions strictly along with awareness activities to reduce tobacco use in the state.

District Nodal Officers (NTCP), District Consultants (NTCP), social workers, dental surgeons and dentists, representatives from the Food and Drug Department, and district NGO partners from the district level participated in the training. The objective of the workshop was to develop the capacity for effective action at the ground level to reduce the availability, supply, and use of tobacco products, along with increasing widespread public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco. The Health Department's focus is on creating a tobacco-free environment in the state through strict adherence to the law, departmental coordination, and public participation.