 Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 31: World No Tobacco Day was observed in Directorate of Health Services Jammu on 31st May in the Conference Hall, under the guidance of Director Health Services Jammu Dr Abdul Hamid Zargar. The event was organized by StateTobacco Control Cell, Jammu Division under the aegis of National Tobacco Control Programme with technical support from Vital Strategies India Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi. The programme was attended by several senior Officers of the Directorate of Health Services and associated Offices of the Health Department , including Deputy Director Dentistry Dr. Sanjay Sharma, State Malariologist Dr. D.J.Raina, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Harbaksh Singh, AD Schemes Dr. Ila Gupta, State Epidemiologist Dr. Harjeet Rai. A presentation was given by the Nodal Officer, NTCP on the Tobacco Epidemic, its epidemiology , health and environmental consequences of Tobacco use and Tobacco Control Laws, with a special focus on this year's theme, which is: "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products." This year's campaign will focus on revealing the tactics that the tobacco and nicotine industries use to make their harmful products seem attractive. The industry consistently tries to find ways to make these products appealing, by adding flavours and other agents that change their smell, taste, or appearance. These additives are designed to mask the harshness of tobacco, thereby increasing its palatability, particularly among young people. Glamorized marketing, deceptive designs, and addition of Coolants and additives strategically attracts a younger demographic, including through digital media channels.These tactics can contribute to early initiation of smoking or nicotine use, with potential lifelong addiction and health consequences. By making these products more attractive, the industry not only boosts their immediate consumer base but also makes quitting harder, prolonging exposure to harmful substances. The Day was also observed in health institutions of all Districts and Blocks of Jammu Division with active participation of Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents and Block Medical Officers along with Officers & Officials of respective Districts and Blocks. |
