PESHAWAR, May 14: The government would make efforts to promote habits that could guide the people to adopt a healthy lifestyle in collaboration with the non-governmental organizations.

This was stated by Brigadier Dr Habibur Rehman, director-general of health, NWFP, while speaking at the concluding session of a two-day workshop on “Promotion of Healthy Lifestyle” organized by the provincial health department in collaboration with the federal health ministry and the World Health Organization here on Tuesday.

Mr Rehman urged the participants to chalk out a practical plan to be implemented at the community level in order to effect visible changes in the lifestyle of poor people.

According to him, some of the NGOs and the CBOs prepared plans that were difficult to implement, and subsequently a large amount and strenuous efforts went down the drain.

He said the NGOs should first study the environment, which was to be followed by preparation of a report comprising details about the proposed projects, its financial assistance, duration and available resources with a view to ensuring its completion within a specific period.

The health official appreciated the role of the NGOs and the CBOs (community-based organizations) for their services at the community level and assured them of full support on behalf of the health department.

Earlier, the workshop participants were divided into different groups where they discussed ways and means to promote a healthy lifestyle with a special focus on a tobacco-free initiative, including prohibition of smoking.

The groups also discussed modalities aimed at involvement of private sector in the mass awareness campaign to promote healthy habits and steps against use of tobacco at the community level.

A consensus emerged that a survey would be conducted in collaboration with the NGOs regarding use of tobacco in the communities to be followed by an organized awareness campaign at the provincial level.

The groups also suggested that an emphasis must be laid on the efforts aimed at motivating the tobacco users to quit smoking.

Most of the NGO representatives assured the health department that they could implement any type of plan at the gross-root level on a short notice. According to them, they needed financial assistance so that they could arrange workshops, walks and training courses for teachers, religious leaders and members of local councils and ensure the desired results.