Public Support Crucial in Combating Menace: DHS
SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: To curb the menace of tobacco use in public places, the Health Department in Kashmir has realized fines amounting to over Rs 1.5 lakh from violators in 2023, Director Health Services Kashmir Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather said on Thursday.
Talking to media persons on the sidelines of one day media sensitization workshop under National Tobacco Control Programme, he said that the push for a tobacco-free environment is not only a matter of law but also a public health imperative, emphasizing the critical need for public support in achieving this goal.
The Director stressed the significance of public backing in the fight against tobacco use and highlighted that no programme or struggle against any issue can truly succeed without the active support of the public. Encouragingly, a significant portion of the fines collected is a testament to the willingness of residents to adhere to tobacco control regulations.
Dr. Rather further emphasized that the battle against smoking extends beyond public places and into homes. Smoking in domestic environments can have adverse effects on children and elderly family members. He cited a recent study conducted in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, revealing that out of 70,000 people, 50,000 were found to be users of intravenous drugs.
Alarming findings indicated that many of these drug users had a history of smoking, including minors. Dr. Rather underscored the interconnectedness of tobacco use and substance abuse, advocating for a comprehensive approach to address both issues.
