Indore: With an aim to spread awareness among people about harmful effects of tobacco, Indian Medical Association, Indore Chapter, organised a workshop on Sunday in which doctors who have quit consuming tobacco were felicitated. National chairman of IMA’s Tobacco Control Committee Dr Dilip Acharya said doctors were motivated first. “Before preaching others, we motivated people in our own fraternity. Many doctors have shared their experiences of how they stopped taking tobacco (in any form).” Senior Superintendent of Police Ruchi Vardhan Mishra was the chief guest at the function. She appealed to doctors to conduct similar workshops for policemen.
According to Dr Acharya, tobacco consumption has decreased by 30 percent in the country but a lot needs to be done. “Consumption of tobacco and second-hand smoke are responsible for more than 12 percent of deaths due to heart ailments across the world. Tobacco use is also the second leading cause of cardiovascular diseases after high blood pressure. Nine out of 10 people who succumb to cancer consumed tobacco,” he said. Similarly, more than 7,300 people die in the country due second hand smoking as cigarette is consumed by the family members. “It is also hazardous for pregnant women and foetus and can lead to congenital problems in children,” he added. Secretary of IMA Indore Chapter Dr Brijbala Tiwari said an awareness rally will be organised on May 31 to observe World No Tobacco Day. Different programmes will be organised by IMA to mark the occasion.