Tobacco farming on government hospital land

A daily recently reported about tobacco farming on a hospital land. A good portion of land belonging to government-run Leprosy Hospital in Nilphamari has been used for growing tobacco for years. This is a serious issue, more so because tobacco farming on hospital land is obviously hazardous to hospital patients.

Everyone is well-aware that smoking is seriously detrimental to health. Scientists say that it is responsible for many acute diseases like cancer, heart disease, damage of liver, bronchitis etc. The person who stays besides the smoking person is also affected.

Smoking in the public place is strictly prohibited by government laws. It is unbelievable that the concerned authorities remained silent while the hospital land was used for tobacco farming.

Considering the negative impact of smoking on public health and life, World Health Organisation (WHO) made it mandatory to write on the packets of the tobacco product "Smoking is seriously detrimental to health". Since the matter is related to public health, the authorities should look into the matter seriously and punitive actions should be taken against the persons responsible.

Md. Zillur Rahaman

Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited

Lalmohan Branch, Bhola

[email protected]