All public health facilities declared ‘Tobacco-Free Zone’ in Nagaland

January 26, 2023 40 Views No Comment

Kohima, January 26 (MExN): All public health facilities in Nagaland will be designated as ‘Tobacco-Free Zone’ from February 1.
Henceforth smoking, using of tobacco products within the hospital premises and sale of tobacco products within 100 meters from any hospital is prohibited with effect from February 1, the Department of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) stated in a notification.

The public health facilities coming under the purview of the notification are District Hospitals (DHs), Community Health Centress (CHCs),Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Sub-Centres (SCs),Chief Medical Officer(CMO) offices, Medical Superintendent(MS) offices, Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) and Directorate of Health & Family Welfare.

According to the State DIPR, the H&FW issued the directive in exercise of the power conferred by Section 4 and 6 of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Acts 2003 and also considering the ever-increasing disease burden attributed to tobacco use.

Under the same Act and Sections, the Department had earlier issued notification prohibiting smoking in public places and sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of any educational institution respectively.

Accordingly, it noted that all health centres come under the purview of public places.

Moreover, the health centres are considered as learning centres, it come under the purview of educational institution and the contravention of the Provision of the Act by any person is punishable by law, the H&FW informed.

The Principal Director, all Heads of Offices in charge of Hospitals, CMOs, MS and Nursing-in-charge are authorised to take action against anybody who contravenes the provision of Section 4 and 6 (b) of COTPA 2003 within their jurisdiction, it added.