Anti tobacco messages by hospitals and organisations in Kolkata

KOLKATA: Various hospitals and voluntary organisations across Kolkata sent out strong message against tobacco consumption. Coinciding with the World No Tobacco Day on Friday, health experts said that quitting tobacco by those who have picked up the habit and dissuading others from using tobacco, could go a long way in preventing oral, head and neck cancer.

Around 350 participants including cancer survivors were part of the rally organised by Ruby Cancer Centre, a unit of Ruby General Hospital. The hospital has nominated some cancer survivors as crusaders against tobacco to organise awareness events in their respective localities in the state. The hospital has also launched a free tobacco cessation clinic where experts will help individuals quit tobacco. Ruby Cancer Care and Research Foundation has also decided to write to the central and state authorities to stop selling and consumption of all tobacco products within 100 yards of government and private hospitals.

Dr Arindam Mukherjee Pulmonologists at Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals Kolkata insists on “Supporting tobacco users to quit is vital, as many smokers wish to stop due to awareness of the health dangers. Counselling and medication can more than double the chances of successful quitting”.

Organisations like Medical Bank roped in children from Nabadisha, who walked an awareness rally in North Kolkata holding placards with anti-tobacco messages.

“We want to raise better awareness on the health impact caused by tobacco consumption with an aim to discourage people from using tobacco and other allied products,” said D Ashish, secretary, Medical Bank.