DH&FW Nagaland staff during the observance programme held on June 11.
Kohima, June 11 (MExN): Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (DH&FW), Nagaland has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a ‘tobacco-free office’ through a formal observance programme held at the Directorate’s lobby on June 11. “This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to reinforce the Directorate’s leadership in public health and to uphold the highest standards of workplace hygiene and safety,” DH&FW stated in a press release.
Following the officially declaration of the Directorate as a ‘Tobacco-Free Zone’ by the Government of Nagaland in 2023, a circular was subsequently issued reaffirming this status and directing all staff to comply with the tobacco-free guidelines. The observance programme was organised in line with this directive, it stated.
Anoop Khinchi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, H&FW Department, delivered a call for strict compliance. Dr Mereninla Senlem, Director & HOD (DH&FW), provided a comprehensive overview of the Tobacco-Free Office Guidelines. The event was chaired by Dr Khelito Zhimomi, Joint Director & SPO (RCH) and Dr Arenla Walling, Additional Director (Dental) & SNO (NTCP), highlighted key provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The programme concluded with a pledge ceremony and vote of thanks by Dr Reyosalu Lase Vizo, Joint Director (Dental) & SPO (NOHP).
The programme emphasised the harmful effects of tobacco use linked to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses. With 43% of adults in Nagaland reported as tobacco users (as per GATS-2), the urgency of promoting a tobacco-free, health-oriented workplace was underlined.
Tobacco-Free office guidelines were reiterated for strict compliance by all staff, visitors, and stakeholders. The guidelines include - Smoking and Spitting Prohibited: Smoking or spitting of tobacco products is strictly prohibited within the office premises; Violations will be treated as punishable offences under COTPA, 2003 and Section 268 of the IPC. Ban on Tobacco Promotion: No form of tobacco advertisement or promotion is permitted within 100 yards of the office.
In line with the Government order, an Anti-Tobacco Committee has been constituted, with representation from various sections of the Directorate. This Committee is responsible for enforcement, awareness generation, compliance monitoring, and policy recommendations to further strengthen the Tobacco-Free initiative.
Clear signage indicating “No Smoking” and “Tobacco-Free Zone” has already been installed across the premises for all to see and adhere to.
The DH&FW urged all officers, staff, and visitors to extend their full cooperation in upholding the Tobacco-Free Office Policy, thereby setting a model example for other institutions across the state.
