Manipal: World No Tobacco Day 2012 at Kasturba Hospital

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

• Group health is better than individual’s habit and health

 

Manipal, 30 May 2012: Dr H Vinod Bhat Pro Vice Chancellor, Manipal University, inaugurated Sculpture of artists - Mr Srinath Manipal, Venky Palimar, Ravi Hirebettu inaugurated World No Tobacco Day 2012 theme – ‘STOP - Tobacco Industry Interference’.

 

“Group (Community) health is better and important than individuals’ habit and health”, said Dr H Vinod Bhat Pro Vice Chancellor, Manipal University, at the inauguration of “ No Tobacco Day 2012” Sculpture held at Kasturba Hospital Manipal on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2012. Individual’s habit of smoking interferes in community health, he added. Out of all the forms of tobacco consumption, a non smoker who is a passive smoker suffers the most compared to a smoker. “Today is the day to create awareness among people and among authorities who make policies, to take a stand against the tobacco industry” Dr Bhat said.

 

 

 

Dr.Suma Nair explained the theme of the sculptor which was ‘STOP - Tobacco Industry Interference’ and trapping large number of people’. The sculpture was the result of hardwork of artists - Mr Srinath Manipal, Venky Palimar, Ravi Hirebettu.

 

Dr. Ashwini Kumar Mohapatra, HOD, Dept of Pulmonary Medicine said that the message of the programme is to stop smoking and the government has an important role to play in  the prevention of tobacco consumption. Dr Ashvini Kumar Mohapatra said that out of the total tobacco users in India and around this place, 40% are Beedi smokers, another 40% tobcacco chewing and snuffing and another 20% cigarette smokers.

 

Dr (Col) R R Pulgaonkar, Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal,  welcoming the gathering said that “ Its  time for mankind to open their eyes and do away with such unhealthy habits. The purpose of the programme is to encourage smoking cessation.

 

Dr. Veena Kamath gave the vote of thanks.