According to the report of the second round of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2),
2016-17, mortality due to tobacco in India is estimated at upwards of 1.3 million (over 13
lakhs).
Among others, the government says that steps taken by it to regulate tobacco consumption include
A “comprehensive legislation”, namely the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA 2003) to regulate the use of tobacco products has been enacted to discourage the use of tobacco, with a view to achieve improvement of public health in general as enshrined in Article 47 of the Constitution. The provisions under COTPA, 2003 and the Rules made thereunder mandate prohibition of smoking in public places; ban on sale of tobacco products to and by minors, sale of tobacco products within a radius of 100 yards of educational institutions; prohibition on direct and indirect advertising of tobacco products and mandatory display of specified health warnings.
To further accelerate the efforts towards tobacco control, Government launched National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in 2007-08.
The National Tobacco Control Programme aims at discouraging the use of tobacco with special emphasis on protection of children and young people; create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption through regular and sustained public awareness campaigns. Enforcement efforts are also monitored by the State Tobacco Control Cells (STCCs) and District Tobacco Control Cells (DTCCs).
The health experts insist that it is imperative to quit when there’s still time or else it may create unnecessary complications pertaining to health.
Tobacco use is a major public health concern as well as causes significant financial costs. A World Health Organization survey found that the financial burden of tobacco-use in India stood at one per cent of its GDP. Besides the diseases and economy, the collateral damage of smoking ought to be far higher than anticipated. It is not only that direct smokers are affected. As per a recent study, secondary smoke exposure in India leads to direct annual healthcare costs that run in billions.
The data about use and ill-effects raise questions about the efficacy of the deterrents in place and among others includes mandatory 85 per cent of the surface area of cigarette packets must contain graphically statutory warning.
Habitual smoking can lead to cancer. It can cause dysplasia, which is precancerous changes to the vocal cords. Cancer itself can also affect the oropharynx and the larynx .
Everyone must realize that tobacco, whether smoked, sniffed, eaten or vaped, eventually brings myriad diseases.
