Baghmara, Nov 18: The District level Coordination Committee Meeting on National Tobacco Control Programme was held today at District Resource Center NIC Building Baghmara.

The Deputy Commissioner of South Garo Hills District cum Chairman District Health Society Baghmara expressed his concerns over the death caused by the excessive use of tobacco and sought a joint intervention from all the stakeholders in successfully implementing the NTCP.

He also informed that steps are being taken to stop people from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke especially the risk groups like pregnant mothers and children.

The State Nodal Officer (NTCP) Dr. Lana E Lyngdoh while highlighting the genesis of the National Tobacco Control programme stated that this program is being implemented as the problem and ill effects of tobacco use are becoming a global issue. She also said that Meghalaya ranked 5th position in terms of tobacco consumption all over India which is a matter of concern to all of us.

She further urged stakeholders to join hands together in the successful implementation of the programme. She also asked the school authorities to discourage and prohibit the sale and use of tobacco near the school campus.

The District Medical and Health Officer Dr. Lily Sengme Marak and Dr. Sanbe Marak District Nodal Officer are among others who spoke on the occasion.