Think before lighting up!

Enjoying the puff in public places like hospitals, bars, restaurants, pubs and other government offices can be trouble. With the Hyderabad Health and Medical authority cracking the whip, habitual smokers run the risk of being caught off-guard while smoking in public.DHMO officials have issued notices to various business establishments in the twin cities to put up small boards written ‘Smoking ban in public places’ and ‘Smoking is injurious to health’. Special teams comprising additional DHMOs, doctors working in twin cities, tobacco cell staffers and task force of the enforcement wing of medical department, have been formed for enforcement of the rule, Dr BL Veena Kumari, district health and medical officer, Hyderabad told Express.Officials would also make surprise raids on pan shops, bars, restaurants, pubs and other business establishments. “The ban has been extended to areas like college campuses, bars and pubs. Major establishments have been directed to appoint anti-smoking officers to keep a check. The fine is `200 if a person is caught smoking in public,” she added. During the special anti-smoking drive, the teams collected `9,600 as fines in December while over `8,000 was collected in January. “During the drive to enforce the smoking ban in public places, we booked 8,500 cases against violators found smoking in public places like hospitals, schools, colleges and other places,” informed Dr Kumari.Meanwhile, medical experts reveal that a large number of youngsters, students as well as working professionals are addicted the smoking. “Out of 100 persons, 80 who drink probably smoke as well. People tend to drink more when they have a smoke. Most call centre workers and youngsters, aged between 20 to 30 years are approaching us with a variety of diseases caused by smoking,” said Dr P Bal Reddy, head, oral surgical department, Government Dental Hospital. While smokers maybe enjoying their puff, it is non-smokers who inhale the smoke. Passive smokers are more likely to become victims of deadly diseases like lung cancer and tuberculosis, pointed out the doctor.

By Mouli Mareedu