The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, organized an event today to observe World No Tobacco Day 2024. The theme for this year, “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” emphasizes the importance of shielding youth from the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
Keynote Address
Union Health Secretary Shri Apurva Chandra addressed the event through a video message, highlighting the devastating impact of tobacco use and the government’s proactive measures at various levels to reduce tobacco prevalence and exposure to tobacco smoke.
Commitment to Tobacco Control
Shri Apurva Chandra reiterated India’s commitment to protecting current and future generations from the health, social, environmental, and economic harms associated with tobacco use. He mentioned the success of India’s stringent enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and outlined the focus areas for tobacco control initiatives in 2024:
- Strict enforcement of India’s National Tobacco Control Law – COTPA 2003
- Intensified public awareness campaigns
- Increasing tobacco-free educational institutions
- Establishing tobacco-free villages nationwide
Brand Ambassador for Tobacco Control
Indian badminton star Ms. PV Sindhu was named the brand ambassador for Tobacco Control. In a video message, she encouraged everyone to join the campaign against tobacco use and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Regulatory Measures and Innovations
Smt. V. Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary of the Ministry, announced the extension of TV and Film rules to OTT platforms in 2023, making India the first country to regulate anti-tobacco warnings on streaming platforms. Prof. Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, emphasized the need for innovative strategies to educate youth about tobacco’s harmful effects and to curb tobacco advertising.
WHO Representative’s Remarks
Dr. Roderico Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, praised India’s leadership in tobacco control, especially its regulation of tobacco depiction on OTT platforms and the prohibition of e-cigarettes. He called for collective efforts to protect future generations from tobacco’s adverse effects.
Operational Guidelines Unveiling
Operational Guidelines for Establishing Tobacco Cessation Centres in Medical Institutions were unveiled. These guidelines aim to educate medical students about tobacco cessation, aligning with the National Medical Commission’s guidelines to train graduates in holistic medicine.
Awards and Recognition
The WHO World No Tobacco Day 2024 Award was presented to the State Tobacco Control Cell, Odisha, and the Regional Director’s Special Recognition Award to Dr. Mir Mushtaq Ahmad and the Generation Saviour Association, Punjab. These awards recognize significant accomplishments in tobacco control.
No Tobacco Pledge Campaign
The Ministry launched an online “No Tobacco Pledge” through the MyGov platform, encouraging widespread participation from States, Union Territories, and all stakeholders. Participants at the event took the “No Tobacco Pledge.”
Oral Health Initiative
Under the National Oral Health Programme, an oral screening and tobacco cessation camp was organized at Nirman Bhawan by the Lady Hardinge Medical College’s National Resource Centre for Oral Potentially Malignant Disorder (OPMD Hub).
Attendance
Key attendees included Dr. L. Swasticharan, Addl. DDG, Dte. GHS, Dr. Poonam Meena, Deputy Secretary (Tobacco Control), and other senior officers from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was the theme for World No Tobacco Day 2024?
A. Smoking Cessation
B. Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference
C. The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
D. Tobacco and Heart Disease
Answer: B. Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference - Who addressed the event through a video message?
A. Dr. Roderico Ofrin
B. Ms. PV Sindhu
C. Shri Apurva Chandra
D. Smt. V. Hekali Zhimomi
Answer: C. Shri Apurva Chandra - Which law’s enforcement is a key focus for tobacco control initiatives in 2024?
A. Indian Penal Code
B. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
C. COTPA 2003
D. Drugs and Cosmetics Act
Answer: C. COTPA 2003 - Who was designated as the brand ambassador for Tobacco Control?
A. Sachin Tendulkar
B. Virat Kohli
C. PV Sindhu
D. Mary Kom
Answer: C. PV Sindhu - Which state received the WHO World No Tobacco Day 2024 Award?
A. Punjab
B. Maharashtra
C. Odisha
D. Karnataka
Answer: C. Odisha - What new regulation did India implement regarding anti-tobacco warnings?
A. On cigarette packaging only
B. On TV and Film
C. On OTT platforms
D. In public places
Answer: C. On OTT platforms - Who praised India’s leadership in tobacco control during the event?
A. Prof. Dr. Atul Goel
B. Smt. V. Hekali Zhimomi
C. Dr. Roderico Ofrin
D. Dr. L. Swasticharan
Answer: C. Dr. Roderico Ofrin - What initiative was unveiled to help educate medical students about tobacco cessation?
A. National Oral Health Programme
B. Operational Guidelines for Establishing Tobacco Cessation Centres
C. National Tobacco Control Programme
D. Tobacco Advertising Regulations
Answer: B. Operational Guidelines for Establishing Tobacco Cessation Centres - Where was an oral screening and tobacco cessation camp organized?
A. AIIMS
B. Nirman Bhawan
C. Safdarjung Hospital
D. Lady Hardinge Medical College
Answer: B. Nirman Bhawan - Which platform did the Ministry use to enable the “No Tobacco Pledge”?
A. MyGov
B. Aarogya Setu
C. National Health Portal
D. Digital India
Answer: A. MyGov