Mysore/Mysuru: As part of World No Tobacco Day and to make Mysuru Tobacco-Free City in India, Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology in association with Mysuru Gym and Fitness Owners Association had organised Hope-A-Thon (a 3-km walk and 6-km run) from Kote Anjaneya swamy temple here on Saturday.

Hundreds of people including from various colleges took part in the event. Apart from walk and run, pledges were also taken from all the participants, college students and general public to make Mysuru free from tobacco.

Dr. K.H. Prasad, District Health Officer (DHO), Supriya Salian, Chairperson, CII Mysore zone, Dr. B.S. Ajaikumar, Chairman, HCG Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology,  flagged off the walk and the run. The event was conducted as part of World No Tobacco Day (May 31).

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Prasad, said tobacco is the main risk factor which is interfering in the lives of Indians  and every year 70,000 people die due to tobacco-related cancers.

Supriya Salian, who also spoke on the occasion, gave a call to reduce pollution to  improve our health not just for ourselves but also for our children tomorrow.

Dr. B.S. Ajaikumar said, “Many cancer patients come in an advanced stage; 40 percent of them due to tobacco usage suffering from head and neck and lung cancer. We have to ban tobacco. In this regard we have written letters to the Prime Minister and also to all Ministers but we have not got a reply. Government needs revenue but they are least bothered about public health. Hence, it is time to stop tobacco and ban tobacco.”

M.S. Harsha, President of Mysuru Gym and Fitness Owners Association,  Dr. M.S. Vishveshwara, Medical Superintendent, Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology, Nirmala Krishna Murthy, COO, BHIO, C. Narayanagowda, President, Hotel Owners Association were also present.