Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has been declared a "tobacco-free zone." Any violation of the rule on the premises has been made a punishable offense with a fine of up to Rs 200. The hospital management stated that strict action will be taken against the doctors, permanent or contractual employees, and security staff if they are found smoking or chewing tobacco on the hospital premises.

A variety of non-communicable illnesses (NCDs), such as malignancies, cardiovascular diseases, and lung problems, are linked to tobacco smoking, which is a significant risk factor for the most common causes of mortality.

In the hospital order, it was stated that the central government enacted the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulations of Trade and Commerce Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act (COTPA) in 2003 to protect the youth and the masses from the adverse and harmful effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoking. Hence, in the interest of public health, to keep the hospital buildings clean and contribute towards the "Swachh Bharat" campaign, the premise of AIIMS, New Delhi, is declared a "Tobacco Free Zone."

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hospitals/delhi-aiims-declared-tobacco-free-zone/96277070 )