Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (DH&FW), Nagaland, reaffirmed its commitment to a tobacco-free office during a formal observance program held on June 11. The initiative aligns with a notification issued on January 25, 2023, designating the directorate as a Tobacco-Free Zone.
Addressing the gathering, commissioner and secretary, H&FW, Anoop Khinchi, called for strict compliance with the policy, while Director & HOD (DH&FW), Dr. Mereninla Senlem, outlined the tobacco-free guidelines.
Officials highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco, citing data from GATS-2, which reports that 43% of adults in Nagaland use tobacco.
The directorate reiterated the Tobacco-Free Office Guidelines for all staff, visitors, and stakeholders:
- Smoking or spitting tobacco products is strictly prohibited within office premises, with violations subject to penalties under COTPA, 2003, and Section 268 of the IPC.
- No tobacco advertisements or promotions will be allowed within 100 yards of the office.
- An Anti-Tobacco Committee has been set up to enforce the policy, raise awareness, and monitor compliance.
- Clear signage has been placed across the premises to reinforce the guidelines.
The directorate urged staff and visitors to cooperate in maintaining a tobacco-free environment.
The event was chaired by Joint Director & SPO (RCH), Dr. Khelito Zhimomi, while Additional Director (Dental) & SNO (NTCP), Dr. Arenla Walling, discussed key provisions of COTPA, 2003. The program concluded with a pledge ceremony and a vote of thanks delivered by Joint Director (Dental) & SPO (NOHP), Dr. Reyosalu Lase Vizo.