Shillong, June 3: In Meghalaya, thousands including young and old from various sections of the society vowed to bring down the increasing rate of cancer in the region during the launch of a tobacco free campaign on Monday.
Health Secretary of India, Keshav Desiraju during the launch of the ‘Campaign for Tobacco Free NE Meghalaya observed that campaign like these will help generate awareness among the people and help make a healthier state.
Highlighting the ill-effects of tobacco and its impact on the region, he said that it is a big social problem in addition to the level of intervention to manage and curb tobacco consumption there is a need for the government, individuals and public health organizations to join hands as meaningful stakeholders to create awareness about a tobacco-free society.
Emphasising to improve health care services in the state, Desiraju stressed on the need for the upgradation of district hospitals into medical colleges.
“ The government needs to bring in initiatives to further strengthen the Primary Health Centres and raising the standards of tertiary level health centres,” he observed.
Meanwhile, Health minister, AL.Hek informed ,“Thousands of people are dying of cancer and cardiac diseases every year after consuming gutka, pan masala, khaini, tobacco and cigarettes. This has become a trend even for the youth in which such influences should not be a habit”.
He said “All of us share responsibilities into doing away with such a dangerous disease which can only ruin one’s life”.(SP News)
