Citing a World Health Organisation report, Dr HK Aggarwal, Vice Chancellor of Pt BD Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, said at least 40 million children aged 13-15 years worldwide use tobacco products. He expressed concern over the alarming rise in cigarettes and e-cigarettes consumption among youngsters and urged parents and teachers to remain vigilant.
He made these remarks while addressing a “World No Tobacco Day” programme organised at OPD block of PGIMS on Saturday. On the occasion, Dr Aggarwal administered an anti-addiction pledge to citizens, employees and students, urging them to stay away from tobacco and other addictive substances.
The event was jointly organised by the Departments of Community Medicine and Psychiatry of the PGIMS. Speaking on the harmful effects of tobacco, Dr Aggarwal said addiction adversely affects every organ of the human body.
Tobacco use damages the lungs, blocks arteries supplying blood to the heart, affects brain function and significantly increases the risk of cancer. He stressed that addiction harms not only individuals but also their families and society.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India by 2047, Dr Aggarwal said the goal could be achieved only through a healthy and tobacco-free youth population. He called upon people to spread awareness against tobacco in every village, school and household.
Dr Ramesh Verma of Department of Community Medicine expressed concern over the increasing smoking trend among young people, particularly the growing use of tobacco products among girls. “A signature campaign was also conducted as part of the programme to raise awareness and encourage people to shun tobacco use,” Dr Verma added.
A special tobacco cessation clinic is held every Saturday, offering counselling and treatment support.
Dr Varun Arora, Incharge (PR cell), said students from various colleges prepared impressive posters highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco on the occasion.
“Postgraduate students from the Department of Community Medicine staged a street play to raise awareness about tobacco-related cancer and premature deaths. Dr Aggarwal felicitated all participating students by awarding them certificates of appreciation,” he added.
Dr Neelam Kumar, Dr Meena, Dr Meenakshi, Dr Preeti, Dr Purushottam, Dr Vinay Rawat and Dr Sunila Rathi were among those prominent present on the occasion.
