VSGH with Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital conduct tobacco awareness prog

Discussions were held for the need to take anti-tobacco programmes forward vigorously Visakha Steel General Hospital (VSGH) of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in collaboration with Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCH&RC) Visakhapatnam conducted an awareness programme on the hazards of tobacco usage to sensitise the people towards hazards of tobacco use and to promote a tobacco-free society. Atul Bhatt, CMD, RINL, the Chief Guest inaugurated the awareness programme in the august presence of Dr Umesh Mahantshetty, Director (HBCH&RC), Directors of RINL, CVO, Dr Prakash and Dr Dolorosa Fernandez, Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive Oncology (HBCH&RC), the guest speaker at the awareness programme. Speaking on the occasion, Bhatt emphasised the need to take anti-tobacco programmes forward vigorously, for the prevention of Tobacco induced diseases, among the employees and their families by conducting more awareness camps and screening programs. He called upon the children to become ambassadors in spreading anti-tobacco campaigns. He appreciated the efforts of VSGH Collective for organising a very useful session in the interest of one and all. In her speech, the Guest speaker Dr Fernandez stressed the impact of rampant tobacco usage in our country, which is resulting in a steep hike in the number of oral cancer cases and related deaths and how to put across this issue effectively for policy changes related to the production of tobacco related products, marketing and use. The speaker also suggested ways to come out of addiction to tobacco products and its positive impact on the health and economy of the country.

PIB