J&K Health Minister calls for strong movement against use of tobacco

Srinagar: Expressing concern over increase in number of smokers in Jammu and Kashmir, Health & Family Welfare Minister Sham Lal Sharma today called for a strong movement against the use of Tobacco and its allied products.
He stressed the need for launching a massive awareness campaign at different levels against the use of Tobacco products and other drugs which are leading the younger generation towards destruction.
Addressing a one-day workshop organised by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS India) under the aegis of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare here, the Minister expressed concern over the increase in number of smokers in the state.
He sought the help of cross-section of society to tackle with this issue and advocated for amendment in the present education set up and suggested to introduce regular curriculum on the moral education in the schools and colleges so that the young students do not indulge in the evils of drug addiction.
Appreciating the efforts of the organisers for holding the workshop in Valley, Mr Sharma said the participants will definitely disseminate the necessary message about the ill-effects of all kinds of addiction, including the use of tobacco on the health of human being.
He also urged the NGOs and allied agencies to step up their efforts in awakening the masses about the ill effects of these products.
He said the government has already initiated several measures to deal with the issue, but only government efforts are not adequate and entire society has to contribute to make the state an addiction-free zone.