Every year 60 lakh people die due to diseases caused by tobacco use while 10 per cent of them are passive users.
The No Tobacco Day, that falls on May 31 is an occasion to focus attention on the danger that is tobacco and elaborate programmes are being organised at the Sports Council Hall in Kozhikode on Tuesday to mark the day.
The programme organised under the aegis of Indian Medical Association, Kozhikode chapter; Kozhikode Chest Club, Rotary Club of Calicut Beach, INPAAR Clinic, Chevayur; and True Mission Incentive aims to stress the importance of strengthening the laws concerning the use of tobacco products.
The State has banned the use of pan masala completely while it had banned smoking in public places long ago. But the laws are often flouted as the authorities fail to implement the laws strictly.
On this ‘World No tobacco Day,’ the World Health Organisation has urged nations to deglamourise the packets of tobacco products showing the harmful effects of tobacco.
The slogan is ‘Get ready for plain packaging.’ It is expected that people would hesitate to buy the packets that show clear signal of danger.
The District level no-tobacco day programmes will be inaugurated by District Police Chief Uma Behra at 5 p.m.
The programmes include a panel discussion on the topic ‘tobacco menace,’ Youtube release of a short film ‘Smoke’ and a poster exhibition.
The president of IMA Kozhikode K.V. Raju will preside over the programme.
Besides, an awareness cycle rally consisting of 140 cyclists, will be flagged off by Deputy Commissioner D.Sali at Chevayur Junction at 4 p.m. The rally would travel across the State.
