 Early Times Report
Jammu, May 31: World No Tobacco Day was celebrated at Indira Gandhi Government Dental College Jammu on May 31, 2023, with the guidance of the Dental Council of India and the UT (J&K) administration. The event aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and promote a reduction in tobacco consumption among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the occasion, the Principal and Dean of IGGDC Jammu emphasized that oral cancer is a prevalent issue in India, largely caused by tobacco consumption in various forms such as Gutka, Zarda, Khaini, Cigarettes, Bidi, and Hookah. The institution, IGGDC Jammu, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards tobacco consumption within its premises, establishing a tobacco-free zone.
The college also houses a dedicated tobacco cessation center in the Department of Public Health Dentistry, as mandated by the Dental Council of India.
Patients visiting the Dental Hospital OPD with a history of tobacco consumption or related products are referred to the tobacco cessation center for counseling and awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use.
Principal and Dean Dr. Rakesh K. Gupta felicitated six patients who successfully quit smoking and tobacco usage through counseling at the tobacco cessation center of the Public Health Dentistry department.
As part of the month-long activities organized by the Department of Public Health Dentistry, anti-tobacco awareness programs were conducted for CRPF personnel at Bantalab camp and for the general public at bus stands, railway stations, and malls in Jammu.
Oral cancer detection camps were also held at various locations, led by Dr. Parveen Akhter Lone (HOD Oral Surgery), Dr. Iqbal Singh (HOD Public Health Dentistry), Dr. Rubeena Anjum (HOD Oral Pathology), and Dr. Manik Sharma (HOD Perodontics), with a team of dedicated dental professionals.
The concluding function of the No Tobacco Day featured a lecture by Dr. Akhil Meenia, a psychiatrist, on anti-tobacco awareness at IGGDC Jammu. |
