Team Herald
PANJIM: The National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE), India and Delhi-based VOICE organisation held an orientation programme and stakeholders workshop at Manipal Hospital to sensitise all stakeholders on tobacco control measures in Goa for specially youth and teens from getting tobacco addictions.
The key highlight of the function was the release of a survey report titled ‘Big Tobacco Tiny Targets’.
Ashim Sanyal, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of VOICE pointed that a total of 97 points of sale were identified selling tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutes in Goa.
He urged the government to strengthen enforcement of COTPA 2003 to protect children and youth from falling prey to the tactics of tobacco companies.
“Tobacco Vendor Licensing is beneficial in tobacco control, especially in the current pandemic,” he added.
Earlier, the function was inaugurated by Ravi Dhawan, Secretary Health and Tarik Thomas, Secretary Urban Development.
Dhawan said the State government is proactive in ensuring appropriate steps to tackle the menace of tobacco and that it’s committed towards reforms and regulations especially to curtail the use of tobacco products in children.
He said, “There shall be zero tolerance in enforcement of tobacco control laws.”
Thomas stated that the government is keen on saving precious lives, especially the younger generation from ill-effects of tobacco and that it is in consultation with stakeholders to expedite the implementation of vendor licensing laws.
Dr Shekhar Salkar, NOTE India President spoke about how the e-cigarette is equally harmful and yet becoming a trend in young adults even after being banned by law of the land.
Dr Salkar also expressed that NOTE is willing to undertake various awareness campaigns and activities to ensure anti tobacco reforms.
NOTE has recently handed over a proposal to implement, monitor and ensure compliance of ‘Tobacco Free Education Institute Programmes (TOFEI) of the Central government.
