Kargil, March 17: The District Health Society Kargil today organized a district-level advocacy workshop under the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) at Rego Café TFC, Kargil. The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the hazards of tobacco consumption and discuss strategies for effective tobacco control in the district.
Chairman, CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon attended the event as the chief guest. In his address, the CEC commended the efforts of the NTCP in curbing tobacco use and emphasized the importance of community awareness, especially among shopkeepers, about the health risks associated with tobacco.
He highlighted that such programs contribute to the well-being of society and particularly appreciated the women of Kargil for largely staying away from tobacco use. Urging individuals to rely on willpower to quit smoking rather than solely depending on medical interventions, Dr. Jaffer assured full support from the LAHDC for similar initiatives in the future.
The event was attended by Dy SP Dar, Tundup Dorjey, Joint Director, Information, Ladakh, Imteeaz Kacho, Joint Director Planning, Abdul Hadi, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kargil, Kacho Liaqat Ali Khan, Nodal Officer, NTCP, Dr. Fatima Nissa, along with principals from various colleges, lecturers, representatives from the Merchant Association Kargil, religious organizations, and other stakeholders.
During the workshop, Dr. Syed Iftikhar provided insights into the historical background of tobacco use, different smoking forms, associated health risks, and smoking cessation strategies.
Inspector, State Taxes Department, Stanzin Sherap elaborated on the COTPA Act, which regulates tobacco control laws. District Consultant NTCP, Masood Ahmad, detailed the role of NTCP in enforcing tobacco control measures.
Joint Director, Information, Ladakh, Imteeaz Kacho, highlighted the dangers of smoking and suggested that religious awareness campaigns could be highly effective in discouraging tobacco use. He also expressed gratitude to Nodal Officer Dr. Fatima Nissa for organizing the workshop and assured full support of the Information Department in disseminating awareness messages.
Dy SP Dar briefed the audience on the role of law enforcement in implementing tobacco control regulations. As part of the awareness campaign, a theatrical play was performed by the Regional Art & Theatre Art Group (RaNTHAG), depicting the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and the social and health consequences of smoking.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by CMO Kargil, followed by the distribution of certificates and recognition awards to stakeholders for their contributions to tobacco control efforts in the district.
