States » EastPosted at: Nov 6 2026 10:27PM


Manipur: Health officials ask RIMS Imphal to implement tobacco related legislation

Imphal, Nov 6 (UNI) The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Manipur, organised a one-day state-level workshop on “Tobacco Industry Interference (TII) and Implementation of Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC)” at Sushruta Hall, RIMS, Imphal today.
The workshop was organised by the State Tobacco Control Cell, State Health Mission, National Health Mission (NHM), Manipur, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dental College, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, with technical support from Vital Strategies.
Addressing the state-level workshop, Dr. Geetha Anandan, Additional Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, highlighted India's progress in tobacco control through legislation, public awareness and cessation programmes. She emphasised the importance of implementing Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to protect public health policies from tobacco industry interference. She urged stronger institutional coordination, awareness and sustained action at state and district levels, reiterating that tobacco control is a collective responsibility and national priority.
Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, Director, RIMS welcomed the dignitaries and thanked the Ministry and state health authorities for hosting the workshop. He highlighted the growing burden of tobacco-related diseases, particularly oral cancer in Manipur, and stressed the implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3 to prevent tobacco industry interference. He also urged stronger prevention, early detection, public awareness and tobacco cessation services across healthcare institutions.
Experts from national and international organisations emphasised the need to strengthen tobacco control measures, address tobacco industry interference and ensure the effective implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3. The discussions covered the burden of tobacco use, investment in a healthier and NCD-free North-East, WHO FCTC and MPOWER strategies, tobacco industry interference, NTCP and tobacco control laws in Manipur, implementation of Article 5.3. and emerging tobacco and nicotine products.
The workshop was attended by distinguished dignitaries, government officials, healthcare professionals, representatives from national and international organisations, and programme participants. It concluded with an interactive open discussion and question-and-answer (Q&A) session.
Hemantakumar Singh, Director of Health Services, Government of Manipur, presided over the inaugural session. Other distinguished dignitaries include Dr. L. Swasticharan, Deputy Director General and Director (EMR), Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India; , Dr. N. Bino Singh, Director, Family Welfare Services, Government of Manipur; Dr. Nepram Sanjib Singh, Medical Superintendent, RIMS, Imphal; and Dr. B. Praveen Reddy, Principal, Dental College, RIMS, Imphal.
Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is a fundamental treaty obligation designed to protect public health policies from tobacco industry interference. It establishes that there is an inherent, irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the tobacco industry and public health policy
UNI NS SS
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