World No Tobacco Day observed in Indira Gandhi Govt Dental College

JAMMU, MAY 31: No tobacco day was observed today in Indira Gandhi Government Dental College Jammu as per the directives of Dental Council of India and UT (J&K) administration.

 Speaking on the occasion, the Principal and Dean of IGGDC Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Krishen Gupta said that this day was observed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to reduce tobacco consumption among the people of UT (J&K).

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in India and the cause is tobacco consumption. “The predominant factor causing oral cancer is consumption of tobacco in the form of Gutka, Zarda, Khaini Cigarettes, Bidi Hookah etc” said Dr Gupta.

Principal and Dean Dr. Rakesh K. Gupta said that Indira Gandhi Govt. Dental College and Hospital has adopted zero tolerance against tobacco consumption within the premises of the institution IGGDC Jammu  by making the institution a tobacco free zone.

There is also a tobacco cessation centre in the department of Public Health Dentistry of IGGDC Jammu as per directives of Dental council of India. All the patients visiting to Dental Hospital OPD having history of tobacco consumption    or other allied products are referred to tobacco cessation centre of the institute, where counseling of these patients are being done and they are appraised about  harmful effects of tobacco use.

Facilitation of six patients who quitted smoking and also use of tobacco products by taking counseling   at tobacco cessation centre of public health Dentistry department of IGGDC Jammu was done by the Principal and Dean  

In the month-long activities by the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Anti tobacco awareness programs were conducted for CRPF personnel at Bantalab camp and for the general public at Bus stand, Railway Station and Malls of Jammu.

Also, the Oral cancer detection camps were organized at various venues by joint efforts of Dr. Parveen Akhter Lone HOD Oral Surgery, Dr. Iqbal Singh, HOD Public Health Dentistry Dr. Rubeena Anjum, HOD Oral Pathology and Dr. Manik Sharma, HOD Perodontics with a team of Dr. Anu Gandral, Dr. Amita Parihar Dr. Manisha Kaul and Dr. Namita Sepolia

A lecture was delivered at the concluding function of (No tobacco day) by Dr. Akhil Meenia, Psychiatrist on Anti Tobacco awareness at IGGDC Jammu.