 
WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY 2018 PROGRAM REPORT
The Department of Public Health Dentistry And NSS Unit, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, in collaboration with National Tobacco Control Program, National Oral Health Program, Pondicherry State Health Mission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, organized various events to create awareness on tobacco-related oral and general diseases.
Program 1: Tobacco Intervention Program for Seafarers at Chennai Port, Tamil Nadu
On 19th May 2018, a team of 15 consisting of faculty, CRRI, and paramedical staffs conducted tobacco intervention program for the crew members of the ship, NANCOWRY, Andaman and Nicobar Shipping Corporation. Around 90 crew members were screened for various oral health problems related to tobacco usage. Along with basic oral health procedures like scaling, filling and extractions, tobacco cessation counseling was given to the crew members of the ship.
Program 2: Street play on tobacco’s footprints at Gandhi Thidal, Puducherry
On 2 and 3 rd June 2018, a street play on tobacco’s footprints was conducted at Gandhi Thidal, Rock Beach, Puducherry. The play depicted the ill effects of tobacco on an individual, family, and society. The play has reached around 750 general public in 2 days.
Program 3: Road Rally
On 5th June 2018, a road rally was organized from Kamban Kalaiarangam to New Bus Stand, Puducherry. The rally was inaugurated by Dr. K. V. Raman, Director of Health and Family Welfare Services and Dr. T. Kalimuthu, Mission Director, National Health Mission, has felicitated the rally. The rally created awareness among the general public on the harmful effects of tobacco on oral and general health.
