Imphal West chief medical officer Dr L Joykumar on Thursday stated that tobacco and tobacco products were becoming a major health concern and becoming the top killer surpassing diseases such as HIV and Malaria.
“Around one million people in India annually succumb to various illnesses caused by tobacco and tobacco products,” he said.
He was speaking at the One-day District Level Review Meeting cum reconstitution programme of district level joint enforcement squad and sub divisional joint enforcement squad at Imphal West DC Court Hall.
The programme was jointly organised by Tobacco Control Cell, District Health Mission Society and NTCP Imphal West under the aegis of National Tobacco Control Programme.
He stated that the number of people using tobacco products in India was gradually increasing and that it had become a major health concern for the people.
“Everyone knows that tobacco causes cancer but they also need to be aware that it can lead to other health complications such as organ diseases, physical disabilities and many more,” he said.
He highlighted those authorities concerned had been unable to properly implement tobacco awareness programmes in the state due to lack of manpower.
However, he assured that he would strive to rectify the issue and advised people to stop using tobacco products to avoid such health complications.
He further highlighted that the Manipur government had bestowed the best performing award to Imphal West for its provision of supplementary food given to TB patients.
As such, he exhorted CSOs, NGOs and concerned groups to continue their support in implementing future health schemes and projects.
During the programme the district and sub divisional squads were also reconstituted.
Officials from the Food Safety, Education (S), Social Welfare and Police Department along with representatives of various NGOs were also present during the programme.
