Fines levied on violators
– Photo : Amar Ujala
Expansion
Sadar Hospital of Chhapra has been declared a no smoking zone. Now if anyone is caught consuming paan, gutkha, bidi, cigarette or tobacco here, he will have to pay a fine. The amount of fine can range from ₹50 to ₹200. Violators can also be jailed for up to five years as a severe punishment. This strict step has been taken with the aim of raising awareness about the dangerous effects of tobacco and to protect people from its consumption.
Awareness campaign in hospital premises
The campaign is being led by Dr Bhupendra Kumar, District Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) Department Officer. He said that an awareness campaign is being run in the hospital premises to prevent tobacco consumption. During a visit to various wards and premises of the hospital, the team of SEEDS (Socio Economic and Educational Development Society) observed that many people were consuming tobacco in public places.
The team took immediate action and stopped those people and informed them about the rules of the Tobacco Control Act. Fines were also imposed on those who violated the rules, to ensure that such people are punished and others are made aware. During this, information was also given about the serious health effects of tobacco like cancer, heart disease and other diseases.
