Health Minister releases anti-tobacco poster

Hyderabad: The Telangana Citizens Council, a city-based NGO, observed 'World No Tobacco Day' by organising awareness programmes at different places and generating awareness by explaining amongst the masses about the ill effects of the tobacco consumption on Friday.

Speaking to The Hans India, Dr Raj Narayan Mudiraj, president of NGO, said that in this endeavour, the TCC observed the day by organizing event at Tourist Plaza Hotel in Green Lands. Later, following a representation to Health Minister Eatala Rajender on the issue, a poster was also launched.

Speaking on the occasion, Eatala Rajender said that tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable deaths, killing over 7 million people each year worldwide. He said that there are health hazards, such as lung and throat cancer, because of the consumption of tobacco related products. He urged the farmers to stop the cultivation of tobacco and grow vegetables and fruits instead. He appealed to the teachers and educationists to inculcate good habits in the young minds and to take oath not to consume tobacco products.

Dr Yogita Rana, Commissioner of Family Welfare, Anjani Kumar, Commissioner of Police, also spoke on the occasion. Dr G Kalyana Chakravarthy, Dr KP Hemanth Kumar, Secretary General, TCC, Pandit Vishesh Sharma, president of Greater Hyderabad chapter of TCC, Dr Kalyan Chakravarthy, advisor at TCC, B Arjun Rao and others participated on the occasion.

On this occasion, the minister appreciated the efforts of the NGO and its commitment for generating awareness and for coming up with the poster on ill-effects of consuming tobacco-related products. He congratulated the TCC team for holding social awareness campaigns.