Health department Punjab has initiated a crusade to eradicate tobacco use to save children and youth across the State...

Spokesman News Service: Chandigarh, December 11: Under the leadership of Health Minister Sh. Brahm Mohindra, Health department Punjab has initiated a crusade to eradicate tobacco use to save children and youth across the State. MOHFW, GOI developed the ‘National Framework for Joint TB-Tobacco Collaborative Activities’ in 2018. For the implementation of the scheme on pilot basis in Punjab, Ministry has chosen three districts Sangrur, Kapurthala & SAS Nagar.

In this regard State Tobacco Control cell, Punjab organized a workshop on the implementation of TB Tobacco collaborative framework under the chairpersonship of Director, Health & Family Welfare, Punjab Dr. Jaspal Kaur. During the workshop, a booklet and poster on TB Tobacco Collaborative activities was released by the Director, Health & Family Welfare, Punjab.

Health Minister Brahm Mohindra

Health Department, Punjab has been passionately pursuing the agenda to bring down tobacco consumption in Punjab.Tobacco Cessation centers have been established in all the districts. Free Tobacco cessation counseling and medicines like Nicotine gums and patches are being provided in these centers to the patients who want to quit Tobacco use.

Cigarette & Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA 2003) has been strictly implemented in the state of Punjab. Total 14,130 Challans (April – November 2018) have been issued against the violators in the state. Hookah bars have been permanently banned in state after a bill introduced by Hon'ble Health Minister, Punjab has been passed by the Legislative assembly and approved by The President of India.

Eradicate tobacco use to save children and youth

Punjab was the pioneer state to focus on youth by timely action on E cigarettes, Hookah bars and declaring hostels of Colleges/Universities as Tobacco Free. Total 729 Villages have been declared as Tobacco free Villages after passing the resolution by panchayats.