SMCH unmasks tobacco industry on World No-Tobacco Day

way2barak June 1: : In a bold and enlightening initiative, the Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR), Cachar, operating under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) led a compelling observance of World No-Tobacco Day at Silchar Medical College & Hospital (SMCH) on saturday, calling out the manipulative marketing machinery of the tobacco industry.

Themed “Unmasking the Appeal; Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco Nicotine Products,” this year’s global message found powerful resonance within the SMCH campus. The event witnessed a robust convergence of healthcare professionals, medical educators, cancer researchers, and students united in their commitment to combat nicotine addiction and its catastrophic consequences.

A poignant visual presentation featuring gripping real-life cases and clinical data set the tone for the day. The curated videos showcased the stark health toll of tobacco consumption ranging from oral and lung cancers to fatal cardiovascular complications effectively peeling away the glossy image manufactured by tobacco brands.

The occasion was honored by the presence of the Principal cum Chief Superintendent  SMCH Dr Bhaskar Gupta, alongside vice principal , SMCH the Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator of the PBCR-Cachar project. Senior faculty members and registry staff also joined the campaign, each echoing the call to resist the seductive lure of tobacco.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal SMCH ,Dr Bhaskar Gupta delivered impactful addresses underscoring the urgent need to educate the public, especially the youth, about the cleverly disguised threats posed by tobacco products. “The industry hides poison in plain sight, masked behind sleek packaging and strategic promotions but as health defenders, it is our responsibility to expose this charade.”

All the dignitaries also shared their views on the adverse affect of tobacco use and appealed to everyone to abstain from tobacco and nicotine products to live a healthy life.

The collective tone of the event was one of resolve and responsibility. As the day unfolded, it became more than just an awareness drive,it turned into a clarion call to action. The message from SMCH was loud and clear: choose awareness over allure, truth over temptation, and life over tobacco.

With initiatives like this, the medical fraternity of Silchar continues to lead from the front, illuminating the path towards a healthier, tobacco-free future.

This is stated in a press release issued from Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.