Smoking ban gets IPH support

BANGALORE: Despite a nation-wide ban on smoking in public places, its implementation remains a huge challenge. The recent case of cheerleaders smoking inside stadium during an IPL match was yet another reminder of its violation.

To ensure effective implementation of the ban, citybased Institute of Public Health (IPH) has come up with a two-year project, ‘Awareness to Action’. It is a part of the multi-centric project coordinated by the Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth (HRIDAY), Delhi, an advocacy forum for tobacco control.

In Karnataka, IPH will work with Gram Shikshana Charity Foundation (GSCF), Hubli, to implement the initiative in Bangalore Urban, Tumkur, Ramnagar, Kolar, Dharwad, Gadag and Haveri districts.

Upendra Bhojani, faculty, IPH said, “The project is aimed at providing technical support to the state and the district administration in implementing and monitoring the Karnataka Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Health of Nonsmokers Act, 2001, as well as Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.” Ramana Reddy, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Karnataka, has assured full cooperation for the effective implementation of the ban in the state.