Mangalore, May 31: The department of community medicine at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, organised ‘Gender and tobacco with an emphasis on marketing to women’ as a part of ’World No Tobacco Day ’at Urban Health Centre at Ladyhill on May 31, Monday. Mayor Rajani Dugganna, who was the chief guest of the event, inaugurated the event and released the media kit.
Dr. M. V. Prabhu, the associate dean of KMC, presided over the programme. Dr. Christopher Sudhakar, dean of Manipal College of Nursing, Mangalore, addressed the gathering. Dr. K. Nagaraj, the professor and head of the department of community medicine at KMC Mangalore, made the welcome speech and spoke about the importance of World No Tobacco Day.
Speaking about the problem of tobacco, he said that Quit Tobacco India and the Government of India will jointly organize the “Tobacco-free Households” initiative to save women and children from the ill effects of passive smoking. He said that the project will be launched in Bolur and that a number of medical students and doctors of KMC, Mangalore will participate in it. The objective is to create a network of researchers on the issue of tobacco and to enhance public awareness on the benefits of saying “no” to tobacco. The project includes personal visits of houses to create awareness among families to achieve the goal of “smoke-free households.”
Dr. Animesh Jain proposed the vote of thanks. Ms. Suphala compered the programme. Dr. Prasanna Mitra P. spoke on “Tobacco Use: The Current Scenario” and Mr. Hyacintha Pinto spoke on “Link De-addiction Centre: Women and Tobacco.”
Dr. Unnikrishnan, Dr. Anitha Kutinho, Dr. H.S Bhat were present on the occasion.