PGI team to conduct survey to identify tobacco users

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 30

A team of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) will conduct a door-to-door survey to ascertain the number of tobacco users in the city starting from January 3. The survey is a part of the plan to curb the use of tobacco products and to make Amritsar a smoke free city.

Official of the Health Department said the team would focus on three blocks of the district. These blocks would be selected by members of the team. The team members would inquire about number of smokers or those who chew tobacco in each family, they added. The family members will also be apprised about the harmful effects of tobacco products.

District epidemiologist, Dr Des Raj, said the survey would be helpful in ascertaining the correct number of tobacco users. The data would be further used for formulation of policies at the national and state level.

He said the survey was being conducted in the three districts of the state, which included Amritsar, Hoshiarpur and Bathinda. “The survey in Hoshiarpur has already been completed” he added. Dr Des Raj said the district had earlier been declared a smoke free city under which smoking at public places was banned.