District Level Co-ordination Committee (DTCC) and District Level Enforcement Squad NTCP Wokha, at its quarterly meeting at DC conference hall, Wokha on May 6, declared 33 more schools (GHS, GMS and GPS) under Wokha district as tobacco free.
According to a DIPR report, at the meeting, the status of tobacco free schools was presented by Chief Medical Officer, Wokha Dr. Zuben Kikon.
Sr. Dental Surgeon & DNO, NTCP, Wokha Dr. Chenithung Yanthan, while presenting NTCP quarterly report, informed that under Wokha, there are 191 Schools, where 103 schools have been already declared Tobacco Free schools and 88 schools yet to be declared tobacco free schools.
In regard to these, he said that efforts were being made to ensure that remaining schools would also be declared tobacco free schools very shortly.
Yanthan further informed that out of 65 Heath Centres, 50 Health Centres have already been declared tobacco free health centers, and five villages under Wokha were also declared tobacco free villages.
Apart from these, Dr Yanthan informed members that counseling was also given to clients to quit use of tobacco products and pharmacological supports given to clients.
The report added that District Education Officer, Wokha informed members that the remaining 88 schools which were yet to be declared tobacco free schools, necessary information and direction would be issued to those schools to ensure early implementation for declaration of tobacco free schools.
SDO (C), Nuhuta Tunyi, informed all members and stake holders to give concentrated efforts to achieve targets of various activities under NTCP and to reduce use of tobacco. He also encouraged the team to undertake intensive awareness campaigns and sensitization programmes to create awareness among public about the harmful effect of tobacco consumption.