Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, IDA roll out campaign on World No Tobacco Day

The two health organizations planned out a joint initiative for an awareness campaign, which will include regular health talks, check-up camps and suggestions provided to the State government, which would help in the implementation of the Anti Tobacco laws in the State of West Bengal.

 

 

According to Dr Saurav Datta, Consultant, Head & Neck Oncologist at Narayana Superspecialty Hospital, Howrah “Some customs and addictions, prevalent in the State of West Bengal, are few of the major causes behind the increased incidence of Oral Cancer in the State. Smokeless chewing of tobacco like gutkha, khaini, paan and so on leaves people of this region majorly vulnerable to the hazards of tobacco. To add on cigarettes, bidis and alcohol increases the risk further."

 

According to Dr. Raju Biswas, State Secretary, Indian Dental Association, “Statistics have shown that every cigarette smoked would reduce one’s life span by 11 minutes. Tobacco epidemic is one of the major health threats to the public health system. Because there is a lag of several years between when people start using tobacco and when their health suffers, the epidemic of tobacco-related disease is even more glaring. Our initiative is to free West Bengal from the clutches of Tobacco epidemic.” He further added, “It is very encouraging to get support from Narayana Health Network in Kolkata, which has the expertise to treat oral cancer.”  

 

Commenting on this initiative, Rakesh Verma, Facility Director, Naryana Superspeciality Hospital, Howrah said, “We are extremely serious about the prevention of health hazards. We have therefore planned a sustained awareness campaign which will include regular free check up camps in different parts of West Bengal along with health talks organized on a regular manner to ensure the message about the risks of tobacco is communicated to all. We are happy to be a part of this endeavor to create a healthier society."