ITANAGAR : The Department of Health and Family Welfare has declared all hospital and healthcare premises across Arunachal Pradesh as strict Tobacco-Free Zones in a major initiative aimed at promoting public health and ensuring a clean and safe healing environment.
The directive, issued under the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTPA) Act, 2003, came into effect from May 19 and applies to all government hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), sub-centres, medical colleges and private healthcare institutions across the state.
Under the new guidelines, use of all forms of tobacco, including smoking, gutkha, paan masala and chewing tobacco, has been strictly prohibited within hospital premises, including offices, wards, corridors, parking areas, canteens and gardens.
The department also reiterated the COTPA provision banning sale and distribution of tobacco products within a 100-yard radius of healthcare institutions.
All hospitals have been directed to install prominent “No Tobacco Zone” and “Tobacco Kills” signboards at entry points and other visible locations. The guidelines further mandate placement of collection boxes at entry gates for visitors carrying tobacco products before entering hospital premises.
Medical Superintendents and Medical Officers In-Charge of healthcare facilities have been authorised to function as Tobacco Monitors to ensure compliance and report violations.
The order also prohibits spitting of tobacco products within hospital campuses, citing the risk of spreading infectious diseases, and makes it clear that no designated smoking areas will be permitted inside healthcare institutions.
In addition, district hospitals and medical colleges have been instructed to provide tobacco cessation counselling services and refer patients and staff to District Tobacco Cessation Centres for support in quitting tobacco use.
To ensure effective implementation, surprise enforcement drives will be conducted by district administrations and District Tobacco Control Cells. Violators, including staff, patients and visitors, will face penalties and disciplinary action as per law.
In a statement, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain appealed to citizens and healthcare workers to cooperate in making the initiative successful, stating that maintaining tobacco-free hospitals is essential to reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and promoting overall public wellness.
