What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s 2021-22 report, reveals that tobacco, a leading preventable cause of death, poses a serious public health concern in India that claims 13 lakh lives annually.
According to the research, 26.7 crore people in India smoke with a prevalence rate of 28.6% wherein 42.4% are males and 14.2% are women. The report further says that Tobacco-related illnesses lead to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic lung problems.
The government brought the “Financial Support for Tertiary Care Program for Noncommunicable Diseases and e-Health and the tobacco control and drug addiction treatment through the National Programme for Tobacco Control and Drug Addiction Treatment (NPTCDAT).
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These programmes sought to improve smoke cessation and addiction treatment services by combining its activities.
The report also claims that Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) of 2003 has been instrumental in tackling this epidemic. As Tobacco sales to minors, smoking within 100 yards of educational institutions, and public consumption are all prohibited by the act.
Since December 2020, graphic health warnings on 85% of tobacco packages have been required, along with Quitline numbers. An amendment to strengthen COTPA, presented in 2020, is currently being reviewed.
Efforts like the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) brought some progress, the 2019 survey highlighted a 42% decline in tobacco use among schoolchildren aged 13–15 over a decade, reflecting the impact of regulations and awareness campaigns. Also, the guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) are being implemented across schools and colleges, supported by the upcoming ToFEI App for monitoring compliance.
As per the report, India leads in global tobacco control and actively participate under the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC).
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The country spearheads efforts to regulate tobacco advertising in entertainment media and presides over the Meeting of Parties (MOP) Bureau, tackling illicit tobacco trade. India’s National Tobacco Testing Laboratories (NTTLs) have also been recognized by WHO’s Tobacco Laboratory Network (TobLabNet).
The report furthers talks about its 2021 programme on World No Tobacco Day where India promoted the theme “Commit to Quit” through online competitions and a national pledge ceremony. Meanwhile, the NTCP’s Online Reporting Mechanism ensures real-time monitoring of tobacco control activities across 685 districts, fostering better coordination.
