Health and Food Hygiene Minister Nisha Mehta has urged people to give up tobacco products. In a message issued today on the occasion of 'World No Tobacco Day', she also urged tobacco users to resolve to give it up from today. In the message, Minister Mehta said, 'The effort to quit tobacco addiction may be difficult at first, but it is completely possible with strong willpower, family support and proper counseling from health workers.'

Minister Mehta also urged people not to use and fall for any harmful substances like vape and hookah under the name of modern and different. She also said that the ministry will provide support and counseling to those who want to get rid of tobacco or vape addiction.

Mehta also requested people not to be confused as e-cigarettes and vape hookahs contain harmful nicotine and toxic substances like traditional tobacco products.

Saying that tobacco use is becoming a serious public health challenge, she said that about 29 percent of the population in Nepal consumes tobacco products. 'The statistics that more than 39,000 people die every year in the country due to tobacco consumption are extremely sad and a matter of concern for everyone. Therefore, it is requested to give up its addiction.'