Apollo Hospitals, Kakinada in collaboration with the Indian Dental Association conducted an awareness event on May 31st 2016 – World No Tobacco Day. The Chief Guest of the event, Shri M Ravi Shankar highlighted the health problems that are caused due to the consumption of tobacco and its related products. The chief guest appreciated the initiative taken by Apollo Hospitals, Kakinada and Indian Dental Association in conducting the public health awareness program.
Dr. Sandeep Chatrath, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Hospitals, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana & Odisha region stated that Apollo Hospitals will be at the forefront of public health education programs on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) as envisioned by Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman Apollo Hospitals Group. He raised the concern that students of younger age group are falling prey to consumption of tobacco and related products and these NCD awareness programs are targeted at educating students and youth of the health problems that would arise out of the consumption of tobacco and related products.
Mr. IV Ramana, Administrator of Apollo Hospitals, Kakinada highlighted concerns on the youth being influenced by the prevalence of on-screen smoking in mainstream cinema to boost their self-esteem. He advised the youth to only imbibe good messages from the main stream cinema.
Dr. Mahalakshmi, Principal, Rangaraya Medical College highlighted the various diseases that are caused due to consumption of tobacco and related products. Additional DMHO, Dr. Pavan Kumar informed the gathering that, the statistics points towards greater preponderance of smoking in younger age groups.
Dr. Anantanag, President of Indian Dental Association & Dr. Satish, Secretary of Indian Dental Association addressed the gathering and informed them of increased chances of dental problems and oral cancer in people who consume tobacco and related products.
Other dignitaries present at the event were, Dr. G Ram Mohan, Surgical Gastroenterologist, Dr. PP Chatterjee (Orthopedician), Dr. Anupama (Gynecologist) of Apollo Hospitals, Kakinada & Dr. G Sunil, Principal of GSL Dental College.
