Speaking at the sensitization programme, executive secretary of VHAM Eudora Warjri said the issue of tobacco is a matter of concern in the State. While health professionals have expressed worry about tobacco being the main reason for the rising cancer in the State, Warjri said, yet there are no concrete studies available that can measure the magnitude of the problem.
The sensitization programme also included in it education on ‘Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act, 2003’ with reference to the ‘Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rule 4 of the Act.’ Though the State Government is still in the process of notifying all the government departments, business institutions, hotels and other public places for the proper and effective implementation of the Act, the VHAM said that the sensitization programme for the media will help capacitate the media personnel to understand the Act.
Warjri said with the programme, the media can even join to spearhead efforts to combat the urgent health issue of the public.
It may be mentioned that the VHAM in partnership with VHAI implemented a project ‘Partnership against Tobacco and Action for Policies, Politics, Legislation and Empowerment’ supported by the Bloomberg Global Initiative from October 2008. The objective of the project is to contribute to the mainstreaming of tobacco control work at the State and district level.
Advocates from the Shillong Bar Association were the resource persons for the programme.