'Tobacco-free-zone': AIIMS Delhi to take disciplinary action against staff if found smoking on its premises

New Delhi: In order to make the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, a "tobacco-free zone" the premier institute has decided to take action against the doctors, permanent or contractual employees and security staff if they are found smoking or chewing tobacco on the hospital premises.

According to an office memorandum (OM) issued by AIIMS Director M Srinivas, if any contractual employee or security staff is found smoking cigarettes or bidis or chewing any tobacco product on the hospital premises, he shall be summarily terminated from the service.

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Also, if any permanent employee or doctor is found smoking or chewing a tobacco product on the hospital premises, a memorandum will be issued and disciplinary action taken against him, according to the OM.

Besides, smoking and spitting tobacco on the premises of AIIMS will be a punishable offence for the patients, attendants and visitors with a fine of Rs 200.

All the heads of departments have been requested to ask the staff working under them to strictly follow the guidelines.

The security personnel have also been instructed to not allow the patients, attendants, visitors and staff members to use tobacco in any form on the hospital premises, according to the OM issued on Wednesday.

The OM said the use of tobacco is a prominent risk factor for leading causes of death and a number of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and lung disorders.

Spitting of tobacco leads to the spread of various diseases and may cause health problems to the public or nuisance to the people in general, the OM read.

"In the interest of public health and with a view to keep the hospital buildings clean, thus contributing towards the "Swachh Bharat" campaign, the premises of AIIMS, New Delhi, is declared as a tobacco-free zone. As such smoking and spitting of tobacco on the premises are prohibited and a punishable offence with a fine of Rs 200," the OM read.

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