Srinagar: On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir Monday conducted an online workshop of Health officials of Jammu and Kashmir regarding “Covid-19 and Tobacco Cessation.
The DHSK conducted the workshop under National Tobacco Control Program in collaboration with International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, New Delhi which was attended by renowned national experts, health professionals and healthcare staff of the directorate.
In his video message regarding World No Tobacco Day, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rather said tobacco adversely affects the immune system and impairs lung function, making users more vulnerable to developing respiratory infections.
“Covid-19 is an infectious disease that mainly attacks the lungs and tobacco use continues to be one of the biggest public health threats especially during this time. I appeal to people to quit smoking and save themselves from Covid,” he said.
The message was broadcasted in leading TV channels of Kashmir division. Dr Mushtaq said when one takes tobacco and shares it with others there are always changes of infection transfer. According to spokesperson DHSK, a total of 96 health officials of J&K attended the said workshop. Deputy Director Schemes, Dr Abdul Rashid Najar graced the workshop as Chief Guest, Assistant Director (HeB), while Dr Nishat Shaheen inaugurated the session with welcome speech and opening remarks.
It was followed by lectures by renowned national experts and speakers through detailed presentations.
The resource persons for the workshop included Dr Vikram Mohanty, Associate Professor, Maulana Azad institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Dr Amit Yadav Senior Technical Advisor, International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Dr Shivam Kapoor and Dr Muhammad Naser.
The workshop was organized in commemoration of World No Tobacco Day 2021 under the theme “Commit to quit”. Also health advisories were published in the leading newspapers of Kashmir division regarding “COVID-19 and Tobacco Cessation”. The statement added that a Radio campaign has been broadcasted regarding “Covid and Tobacco Cessation” in the leading radio channels of Kashmir division to commemorate World No Tobacco Day.

KR Desk