The anti tobacco drive at RNT medical college and M.B hospital was formally inaugurated by the Divisional Commissioner Bhavani Singh Detha on Satuday.

The inaugural program was held at the auditorium of the medical college were other renowned names behind the anti tobacco drive including the Dr. D.P Singh Principal of RNT Medical College, Dr. Shalabh Sharma additional principal of RNT medical college, Dr. Rakesh Gupta Chairman of Rajasthan Cancer Foundation and Gajendra Jodhawat President of Rotary club Udaipur were all present at the function.

On this occasion Dr. Rakesh Gupta gave presentation in relation to the hazards of tobacco consumption and also demanded the people to be part of the drive to make it a success within the premises of RNT also to make it like a law not to carry tobacco products in RNT medical college and M.B Hospital compound.

Dr. Gupta showcased some figures saying that in Rajasthan, 180 people die every day due to the consumption of tobacco products. As per the study in 2010 in India, 35% people die due to tobacco products out of which 21% were those who chew tobacco.

 A similar initiative was taken by the administration of Jhunjhunu district in 2007 when Bhavani Singh Detha was the district collector and the city had become the country’s first tobacco free city, Dr. Gupta highlighted.

Dr Gupta further said that the implementation of no tobacco drive is possible but it is a gradual process and it will take time to soon emerge as a revolution for which students, staff and even the attendants of the patients will be involved.

If any non compliance is found at the hospital compound, penalty will be levied on the individual if required. Moreover, if anybody needs assistance to quit tobacco can do so by calling on toll free number 104.

This is considerable that state is having highest number of female tobacco consumer in the country with a percentage of 5.1 % where as average percentage of the country in this category stands at 2.5%, said Dr. Singh.

When asked about consumption of tobacco products amongs the doctors Dr D.P Singh claimed that the fashion of consuming tobacco products or chewing tobacco has gone below to great extend these days as they are self motivated and very well aware about the disadvantages of the deadly products but if any doctor will be found consuming them within the hospital and college premises then he will be penalized in same manner as any other individual will be.