On July 10, Minsk /BelTA correspondent/. The Government of Belarus has established an Interdepartmental Council for the Prevention and Prophylaxis of Drunkenness, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction and Tobacco Consumption. This is stipulated by Government Resolution No. 603 of June 30, 2012, which entered into force on July 7, BelTA reports. The Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Tozik has been appointed Chairman of the collegial body. The Minister of Health Vasily Zharko and the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Nikolai Melchenko have become Deputy Chairmen of the Council. Previously, an Interdepartmental Council on the Problems of Prevention of Drunkenness and Alcoholism existed in Belarus. The main tasks of the Council include coordinating the activities of state bodies and organizations in order to develop a unified policy on the prevention and prophylaxis of drunkenness, alcoholism, drug addiction and tobacco consumption, as well as determining priorities in the implementation of the main directions of state policy in this area. In addition, the Council members are to develop proposals for improving work and legal regulation, review draft target programs, plans and measures in the field of prevention and prophylaxis of drunkenness, alcoholism, drug addiction and tobacco consumption. The Interdepartmental Council has the right to hear reports from state bodies and organizations on measures taken to prevent and treat drunkenness, alcoholism, drug addiction and tobacco consumption, as well as to make decisions necessary for the organization, coordination and improvement of interaction in this area. The Ministry of Health provides organizational and technical support for the Council's work.

BELTA