The Department of Community Medicine, in collaboration with the Model Rural Health Recharge Unit, Tripura, orchestrated a vibrant rally today to commemorate World No Tobacco Day 2024. The event, held in the Agartala GB Hospital Road area, drew significant participation from various stakeholders, including MBBS students, healthcare professionals, and esteemed dignitaries.
Leading the charge was Dr. Sanjib Debbarma, Director of the Tripura Health Department, who underscored the paramount importance of community health and rural healthcare initiatives. Joined by dedicated doctors from Agartala GB Hospital and other healthcare practitioners, Dr. Debbarma passionately advocated for enhanced healthcare services in the region.
Addressing the media, Dr. Debbarma drew attention to alarming statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), revealing that more than 8 million lives are lost annually due to tobacco-related illnesses, with an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers succumbing to second-hand smoke exposure. He emphasized the significance of World No Tobacco Day, an annual observance aimed at raising awareness about the detrimental effects of tobacco consumption.
The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2024, “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” was eloquently discussed by Dr. Debbarma, who highlighted the insidious tactics deployed by the tobacco industry to entice young individuals, such as targeted advertising and deceptive marketing strategies. He passionately urged the youth to shun tobacco consumption and instead engage in sports and recreational activities for a healthier lifestyle
The rally, a poignant display of solidarity, served as a catalyst for raising awareness about the detrimental effects of tobacco use.
