Hyderabad: The Press Information Bureau organised a PIB Varta session in Hyderabad on Wednesday to mark No Smoking Day and spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use.
Officials, health experts, and journalists attended the media interaction programme at CGO Towers. The initiative encouraged people to quit smoking and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Shruti Patil, Additional Director General of PIB Hyderabad, inaugurated the programme. She emphasised the need for collective efforts to promote a smoke-free lifestyle. Moreover, she urged the media to play a key role in spreading awareness.
Meanwhile, Manas Krishnakanth, Deputy Director of PIB Hyderabad, said No Smoking Day is observed on the second Wednesday of March every year. He explained that the day reminds smokers to quit tobacco in all forms.
PIB Varta session highlights tobacco risks and TB link
During the session, WHO Consultant G. Srigana delivered the keynote address and highlighted the serious health risks of tobacco consumption.
She explained that tobacco use has a strong link with tuberculosis (TB) and continues to worsen the disease burden. According to her, India accounts for nearly 25 percent of global tuberculosis cases.
Therefore, she stressed that controlling tobacco consumption is essential to achieve the goal of eliminating tuberculosis.
Additionally, IEC Officer Jithender spoke about the dangers of passive smoking. He warned that exposure to second-hand smoke harms non-smokers and increases health risks.
The programme also featured Raghunandan Maachana, a Tobacco Control Hero Awardee. Senior journalists and officials from PIB, CBC, and other organisations also attended the event.
Finally, speakers urged the media to actively support public awareness campaigns and spread information about the dangers of tobacco use.