A significant training initiative was held in West Singhbhum district on Wednesday, aimed at promoting tobacco prohibition in the region’s villages. The program was organized under the supervision of Dr. Sushanto Kumar Majhi, District Civil Surgeon, and chaired by Dhananjay Pathak, Block Development Officer of Khuntpani. The event brought together Mukhiyas, Jal Sahiyas, employees from the drinking water department, representatives from voluntary organizations, and panchayat members.
The core purpose of the training was to empower rural communities to become tobacco and drug-free and to promote healthy living. Block Development Officer Dhananjay Pathak reiterated the importance of abstaining from tobacco and drugs to achieve good health. Block Pramukh Siddharth Honhaga expressed his concern about the escalating tobacco use among young people, recognizing it as a societal problem, and called for collective effort to build a drug-free community.
Additional Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bharti Minj presented an overview of the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, including hair loss, cataracts, dental issues, lung cancer, heart disease, ulcers, gangrene, and respiratory diseases. She also noted the economic and social implications.
Dr. Alok Ranjan, the District Tuberculosis Officer, highlighted the widespread impact of tobacco use, affecting not only individuals but also their families and society as a whole. Social worker Anoop Bage emphasized tobacco as a major contributor to serious non-communicable diseases and stated that the adverse effects can be controlled by adhering to the COTPA Act of 2003 and 2021. District Counselor Mukti Birua provided information on the Tobacco Cessation Center at Sadar Hospital.
The training culminated in a pledge from all participants to refrain from using tobacco. The program was attended by a range of officials, including Block Pramukh, District Council members, representatives from the drinking water department, volunteer organizations, and staff from the Block Office and the District NCD Department.