The Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima, Nagaland, on 11th June 2025, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a Tobacco-Free Office through a formal observance program held at the Directorate’s lobby. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to reinforce the Directorate’s leadership in public health and to uphold the highest standards of workplace hygiene and safety.
In accordance with Notification No. MED-5/11/92/(Pt)/24 dated 25th January 2023, whereby the Government of Nagaland officially declared the Directorate as a Tobacco-Free Zone, a circular was subsequently issued reaffirming this status and directing all staff to comply with the tobacco-free guidelines. The observance program was organized in line with this directive.
Commissioner & Secretary, H&FW Department Anoop Khinchi, IAS, delivered a strong call for strict compliance. Dr. Mereninla Senlem, Director & HOD (DH&FW), provided a comprehensive overview of the Tobacco-Free Office Guidelines. The event was chaired by Dr. Khelito Zhimomi, Joint Director & SPO (RCH) and Dr. Arenla Walling, Additional Director (Dental) & SNO (NTCP), highlighted key provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
The program concluded with a pledge ceremony and a vote of thanks by Dr. Reyosalu Lase Vizo, Joint Director (Dental) & SPO (NOHP).
The program strongly emphasized the harmful effects of tobacco use—linked to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses. With 43% of adults in Nagaland reported as tobacco users (as per GATS-2), the urgency of promoting a tobacco-free, health-oriented workplace was underlined.
The following Tobacco-Free Office Guidelines are hereby reiterated for strict compliance by all staff, visitors, and stakeholders:
- Smoking and Spitting Prohibited: Smoking or spitting of tobacco products is strictly prohibited within the office premises; Violations will be treated as punishable offences under COTPA, 2003 and Section 268 of the IPC.
- Ban on Tobacco Promotion: No form of tobacco advertisement or promotion is permitted within 100 yards of the office.
In line with the Government Order, an Anti-Tobacco Committee has been constituted, with representation from various sections of the Directorate. This Committee is responsible for enforcement, awareness generation, compliance monitoring, and policy recommendations to further strengthen the Tobacco-Free initiative.
Clear signage indicating “No Smoking” and “Tobacco-Free Zone” has already been installed across the premises for all to see and adhere to.
The Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima urges all officers, staff, and visitors to extend their full cooperation in upholding the Tobacco-Free Office Policy, thereby setting a model example for other institutions across the state.
(DIPR)
