District Hospital Dimapur has decided to ban smoking and the sale of tobacco products at and near its premises with immediate effect.
District Hospital Dimapur, medical superintendent, Dr. Z. Kheshito Zhimo, through a press release said that the district hospital, with a Nursing School, fell under the purview of Section 4 of COPTA, 2003, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions. Therefore, in view of the increasing trend of tobacco related diseases like cancer and cardio vascular diseases, and also to improve cleanliness, the hospital authority will strictly enforce the rule. Shopkeepers in and around the hospital campus have been asked to stop stocking and selling tobacco products, and defaulters will be fined Rs. 200. Dr. Zhimo has requested the public to extend their cooperation to this initiative.