World No Tobacco Day observed with public awareness initiatives in Udupi
Organised by the department of respiratory medicine, the observance focused on this year's global theme: 'Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products', which draws attention to the misleading promotion of tobacco products, especially among youth, disguised as modern and less harmful alternatives.
Faculty, students, and staff across the respiratory, psychiatry, and ENT departments came together to take a pledge to abstain from tobacco in all forms and to promote awareness of its adverse health consequences.
The initiative served to highlight the responsibility of healthcare professionals in spearheading efforts against tobacco-related diseases.
A public awareness session followed, where medical experts from the department of respiratory medicine discussed the severe health risks associated with tobacco use, including chronic respiratory conditions, cardiovascular complications, and multiple forms of cancer.
The talk aimed to educate the public and encourage individuals to make informed, healthy lifestyle choices while seeking support for tobacco cessation.
Postgraduate doctors Dr Deeksha Suresh and Dr Shobhitha Krishnan from the department of respiratory medicine delivered talks. They educated patients, staff, and students about the dangers of tobacco use, the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, and the importance of prevention.
The speakers also explained how tobacco companies use flavours, attractive packaging, and social media to make their products more appealing.
Dr Manu Mohan K, head of the department of respiratory medicine, stressed the importance of continuous education, strong regulatory measures, and accessible cessation support systems to reduce tobacco use and its harmful impact on society.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
21-06-2025
- The Hindu
Global recognition for Karnataka's Tobacco Control Cell
Karnataka's State Tobacco Control Cell has been honoured by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for excellence in tobacco control in the South-East Asia region. Each year, the WHO recognises and felicitates the best performing States in the South-East Asia region for their exemplary efforts in tobacco control. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao received the award from WHO representatives in Bengaluru on Saturday. COTPA amendment Tightening tobacco control laws, the Karnataka government last month notified major amendments to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, on the occasion of the World No Tobacco Day observed on May 31. The amendments — through which the maximum fine for violations under tobacco control laws has been increased from ₹200 to ₹1,000, and the legal age for purchasing tobacco products been raised from 18 to 20 years — were approved by President Droupadi Murmu on May 23. The amended Act — the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Karnataka Amendment) Act, 2024 — was published in the Karnataka Gazette on May 30.
The Hindu
04-06-2025
- The Hindu
Flash inspections under way against banned tobacco products
Noticing a spike in the sale of banned tobacco products, the police have intensified flash inspections in various wayside shops located closer to schools and colleges in Kozhikode. Cafes, cool bars, and eateries in several locations have also been brought under surveillance following confidential complaints from the school authorities and parents. Along with the local police, special squads from the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF) and Crime Squad members under the District Police Chiefs will take part in flash inspections. The Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police are also alert to attempts to smuggle banned tobacco products by train. 'As migrant workers have been found associated with the bulk retail of smuggled tobacco products, their temporary accommodations will be inspected frequently with the support of the local police. The building owners have also been asked to be watchful of any illegal activities by tenants,' said a police officer from the Anti-Narcotics squad. He added that students' support would be sought to help identify local traders of banned tobacco products. According to DANSAF officers, they had carried out multiple raids in several suspected spots ahead of the school reopening in the district. There were also considerable seizures from some of the suspected spots apart from the arrest of the carriers, they said. Meanwhile, the district administration announced a new project to declare all educational institutions tobacco-free zones by June 30. The campaign with the mission would be carried out in view of the upcoming 'World No Tobacco Day'. A district-level meeting with the heads of various government departments was also held at the Collectorate recently to plan the project execution. 'We have decided to start the activities by launching a 'Yellow Line Campaign', which will ensure the participation of students and teachers in forming a human chain within a 100-metre radius of schools. The purpose is to reiterate that the area is a no-tobacco zone,' said a senior Revenue department official. He added that the formation of school-level vigilance committees, awareness classes against tobacco use, and the erection of anti-tobacco boards in public places would be carried out as part of the aggressive campaign.
New Indian Express
04-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Bengaluru police enforce COTPA, collect fine of Rs 21 lakh
BENGALURU: City Police Commissioner B Dayananda on Tuesday said strict enforcement will follow the recent amendment to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Public smoking or consumption of tobacco or nicotine, including chewing substances, is banned. Violators will be fined Rs 1,000, and shop owners who allow smoking in public places will also be fined Rs 1,000, he said. Under Section 4 of COTPA, there is a provision to book shop owners, and police have registered 11,507 cases and collected over Rs 21 lakh in fines. Dayananda told reporters on the occasion of 'World No-Tobacco Day' that a three-day special drive was conducted to raise awareness. Campaigns such as street plays, rallies, and speeches were organised with the help of police officers, student police marshals, and volunteers. Additionally, 5,667 police personnel and 6,448 members of the public took a pledge on World No Tobacco Day.
