IMPHAL, May 30: The Indian Medical Association, Manipur State Branch today observed the World No Tobacco Day 2015 at the association`™s hall under the theme `Stop illicit trade of tobacco products`.
The observation was organised in collaboration with the Medical Directorate, National Health Mission, National Tobacco Control Programme, Voice of Tobacco Victims and Coalition Against Drug and Alcohol.
At the onset of the function, State Health Mission`™s Dr K Komolini flagged off a rally from the State Health Mission which was continued till the IMA office.
Students from various schools participated in the rally holding placards, which read `Buy Tobacco Get Cancer,` `Smoking Tobacco Doesn`™t Make You Cool,` `Quite Tobacco before It Kills You,` `Say no to Tabacco.`
Meanwhile, speaking at the observation, Family Welfare director Dr K Rajo said that most of the middle aged persons consume tobacco.
He said many people have lost their lives due to tobacco use.
Manipur stands top in the use of tobacco among the North Eastern States, he continued.
Women who consume tobacco face certain threats during child delivery, the doctor said.
Dr Rajo also added that smoking a single stick of cigarette shortens one`™s life-span by seven minutes.