Ref. : ER/press/’03/Helsinki/dG

Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC), Ahmedabad,is already engaged in the the activities of consumer safety and health issues, including one of tobacco and tobacco products.

CERC had earlier fought cases on tobacco-based toothpaste and litigation on behalf of Harish Visroliya, a ‘gutkha’ addict, who unfortunately passed away while the case was pending.

Prof. Manubhai Shah is attending the Conference at Helsinki, Finland, on Tobacco or Health from 3 to 8 August, 2003. He will use the opportunity for visiting the Swedish Handicap Institute at Vallingby, Stockholm, Sweden, since CERC is proposing to set up a laboratory for comparative testing of aids and appliances for the disabled people. The Swedish Handicap Institute has done pioneering work in research and designing of aids and appliances.

Likewise,WHO has supported CERC on tobacco survey, research and litigation project from the consumer health point of view.

Incidentally, Prof. Shah had earlier attended a Conference at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, during 14 - 17 October 2001, where the focus was on de-addiction through medical, group therapy, psychological counselling, and other tools and techniques.

Prof. Shah also participated at the public hearing organised by WHO at Geneva on Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, an international treaty which has been recently signed by many countries, including India.

CERC acknowledges with gratitude the contribution by the Gujarat Ambuja Foundation for financial assistance for participation in the Helsinki Conference as well as other anti-tobacco activities pursued by CERC.

Date :1/08/2003
Place : Ahmedabad

Pritee Shah
Editor
INSIGHT - The Consumer Magazine