The National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC) at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is responsible for overall policy formulation, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the different activities envisaged under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP). The National Cell functions under the direct guidance and supervision of the programme in-charge from the MoHFW i.e. Joint Secretary/Director. The technical assistance is provided by the identified officers in the Directorate General of Health Services i.e. Deputy Director General (DDG)/ Chief Medical Officer (CMO). The NTCC is supported by Consultants in specific areas of tobacco control like Policy, National Coordination, Legal, IEC etc.
Objectives of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP):
The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India in 2007- 08, during the 11th five year plan, with the following objectives:
- To bring about greater awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and about the Tobacco Control Laws.
- To facilitate effective implementation of the Tobacco Control Laws.
Laws Existing in Goa
- The Goa Prohibition of Smoking & Spitting Act, 1997.
- The Goa Public Health Amendment Act 2005 vide notification No. 13/144/87-I/PHA(Part) dated 05/01/10 (which supersedes earlier notification No. 13/144/87-I/PHA/Part(c) dated 20/12/04.
- COTPA 2003 implemented from 02-10-08.
State and District Task Forces Committee are constituted by Govt. of Goa vide Order No.13/20/2002-I/PHD dated 24/09/2008.
Orders and Public Notices issued by the District Collector (South) for Enforcement of COTPA
The District Magistrate constituted Enforcement Squads and Vigilance Squads for South Goa to implement COPTA, 2003 vide Order No. 39/14/2010/TOBACCO/MAG dated 10/01/2013. The squads shall conduct weekly drives and submit weekly reports online in the reporting format provided.
Composition of Squads: Enforcement squads for 6 blocks of North Goa District (Pernem, Tiswadi, Bicholim, Sattari, Bardez, Ponda) notified by District Collector, North Goa on 01.01.13.
WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY is celebrated on 31st May every year.
Tobacco Cessation Centre
Two Tobacco Cessation Centres for Goa
District Hospital, North Goa – Psychologist, & Data Entry Operator. (Recruitment of Social Worker is in progress)- OPD No: 33, Tel no:9923922387/ 7498217948
District Hospital, South Goa- Psychologist, Social Worker & Data Entry Operator-OPD No:25, Tel no: 0832-27057540/ 2705664
Services of Counselor and Social Worker available 6 days a week. Cessation Services also available twice monthly at 8 Health Centers in South Goa (Ponda, Shiroda, Loutolim, Cansaulim, Sanguem, Curchorem, Canacona, Balli). Training, sensitization and workshops on Tobacco Control organised at District level Tobacco cessation centres have been established at both District Hospitals with appointment of Psychologist, Social Worker and Data entry operator
Enforcement Squads notified by District Magistrate for enforcement of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. District Audit Team constituted by District Magistrate.
Cigarettes and Other tobacco products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA)
Section 4 – Prohibition of smoking in public places.
Section 5 – Prohibition of advertisement of cigarettes, etc.
Section 6 – (a)Prohibition of sale of tobacco products to minors.
(b)Prohibition of sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institution.
Section 7 – Restriction on production and supply of tobacco products without specified health warnings.
SOUTH GOA declared “Smoke Free District” on 12/12/2013 by Shri B. Vijayan, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa.
Draft Bill – COTPA (Amendment) 2015 (4)
Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS)
New packaging and labeling warning signages for tobacco products