JAIPUR: Rajasthan has achieved another significant international milestone in the field of public health. The Medical and Health Department of Rajasthan has been selected by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the ‘World No Tobacco Day Award’ for the year 2026. The state has been honored with the first prize in the South-East Asia region for its exceptional and noteworthy efforts in tobacco control during the 2025-26 period.
Victory of the ‘Tobacco-Free Rajasthan’ Resolution
Expressing pride in this achievement, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma stated that this recognition is a result of the state government’s unwavering commitment to public health and its effective policy implementation. The Chief Minister remarked, “This honor is the culmination of the collective efforts of the medical department, district administration, healthcare workers, and all social organizations that have brought the resolution of a ‘Tobacco-Free Rajasthan’ to reality.”
Rajasthan: A Model State for Tobacco Control
Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar stated that Rajasthan has established itself as a ‘Model State’ across the country in tobacco control. Not only has the state expanded its treatment facilities, but through dedicated counseling services, it has successfully helped millions of people break free from tobacco addiction.
Key Pillars of Rajasthan’s Success:
- Extensive Network: Over 500 ‘Tobacco Cessation and Counseling Centers’ are operating up to the block level across the state. These centers have been geo-tagged on digital platforms, making it easy for the public to reach the nearest facility.
- Active Enforcement: Strict enforcement of the ‘Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) – 2003’ and the ‘Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act – 2019’ has been ensured.
- Massive Public Awareness: More than 83,000 schools across the state have been declared ‘Tobacco-Free’. Additionally, approximately 2.55 lakh awareness activities, such as street plays (nukkad nataks), rallies, and competitions, have been organized.
- Digital Outreach: Campaigns were conducted on a massive scale, with over 60,000 messages and updates shared across social media platforms to educate the youth.
- Community Participation: The ‘Tobacco-Free Village Campaign’ is being effectively integrated with the ‘Ayushman Adarsh Gram Yojana’ to ensure widespread community involvement in rural areas.
Top Ranking at the Global Level
WHO grants this prestigious award by dividing countries worldwide into 6 regions. The Rajasthan Medical and Health Department’s top ranking in the South-East Asia region reflects the state’s effective administrative framework and consistent dedication. This international honor will serve as a motivation for the state government to undertake even more impactful initiatives in the future.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on official government press releases and announcements made by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is intended for public interest and information purposes.
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