PANJIM: The State government intends to ban smoking in public places to make Goa a “tobacco-free” State in the country by year-end.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Tuesday said the government intends to make all talukas tobacco-free by the end of this year.
Rane said the department has moved a file to the government to ban smoking in public places by bringing in necessary amendments to the Public Health Act.
In a video message released from Delhi during ‘Launch of Mission Tobacco Free’ event at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Rane said that government, if required, will also identify designated places as “smoking zones” across State.
“We are committed to make Goa a tobacco-free State. And for that, we need to ban smoking in public places,” he said.
“We need to make sure that Goa takes the lead and sets an example across country,” Minister stated.
Rane said once the law to ban smoking in public places is introduced, it would be implemented strictly with some serious punishments.
Minister has appealed to Goans to come forward and support the movement of building a healthy State. “With your support and cooperation, I am sure we will achieve the goal to make every taluka ‘tobacco free’ by end of this year,” he said.
As per Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2018 by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, on an average 9.7 per cent of the adults from the coastal State either smoke or use smokeless tobacco.
Meanwhile, Directorate of Health Services signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cipla Health Ltd under which the private firm has adopted two villages – one in Bicholim and Colva to make them tobacco-free.
“On a pilot basis, two villages are adopted to make tobacco-free. The project will be extended across all 191 villages in days to come,” Director of Health Services Dr Jose D’Sa informed.
He said that Health Department will also set up counselling centres, especially for youth, who have fallen for smoking addiction. “Necessary education and awareness in educational institutions will be also carried out,” he added.
