Each day, 2,200 die due to tobacco-related diseases

NEW DELHI: Union health minister A Ramadoss has made it mandatory for cigarette and tobacco manufacturers to carry gory images on their products from December 1. Nearly 50% of the fresh packets, will now have to carry warnings in local languages. According to the minister, the new labels are aimed to scare away people from tobacco. At present, around 9 lakh people, or nearly 2,200 per day, die every year in India due to tobacco-related diseases.

A government survey showed 57% of men and 11% of women use tobacco in some form in India, with 33% of adult males smoking. The health ministry estimates that 40% of India's health problems stem from tobacco use.

In Chennai, he said "Some tobacco companies, which are powerful enough to shake up even the US Government, are behind this. But, I don't care about anything. Over 26% of Indian population were using tobacco products. The WHO has also warned us that smoking and drinking-related diseases would be a major health care problem for India in the next 20 years, rather than HIV/AIDS and TB."

Earlier, speaking to TOI, Ramadoss said countries like Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, Thailand and USA have already introduced pictoral warnings recommended by WHO as part of its convention on tobacco control.

"In two months time, India will launch its National Tobacco Control Programme. A Tobacco Regulatory Authority is also being set up which will work in tandem with the WHO, state governments which will look to enforce the Anti Tobacco Act. Those smoking in airports, restaurants, bars, work places, schools or discos will be challaned. At present, the Act stipulates a fine of Rs 200. We are trying to increase it to Rs 10,000," he told TOI. He added "The law will be strictly applied, keeping in mind the smoke-free indoors policy of WHO, which was adopted as passive smokers are found to be more at danger as compared to those who actually smoke."

From December 1, anybody who produces or manufactures cigarettes or tobacco products without the specified warning will face an an imprisonment of up to two years or be fined Rs 5,000 or both. If the offence is committed for the second time, the imprisonment will be extended to five years with a fine of Rs 10,000.

"I have been waging a one- man battle against tobacco majors over the issue of bans on smoking in films and gutkha usage. Children begin smoking at the age of 10 and younger, and the Union government spends Rs 450 billion in treating tobacco-related diseases," he said.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com