The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, released here today a comprehensive report on Tobacco Control in India. The report was commissioned by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It was edited by Prof. K. Srinath Reddy (Professor and Head, Department of Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi) and Dr. Prakash C. Gupta (Director, Healis Sekhsaria Institute of Public Health, Navi Mumbai, Former Honorary Consultant, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai), with contributions from 41 authors who include experts in public health, economics, social sciences, law and environmental sciences. They have been drawn from academic institutions, professional groups, government departments and civil society organisations and reflect their vast experience in areas related to tobacco control. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of USA, provided technical support through expert reviews.
While releasing the report, the Minister also unveiled a Tobacco Alert Clock. The Clock, which will be displayed at Nirman Bhawan. It provides a minute by minute update on the number of Indians dying from tobacco. It also displays rotating health warnings on the harm caused by tobacco use as well as the benefits of avoiding or stopping its use.
Speaking about the report, the Union Health Minister, Dr. Anubumani Ramadoss said that the government of India has enacted an important social legislation relating to Tobacco Control last year. However, legislation itself is not enough. There is a need to increase awareness among the masses about these issues of tobacco use/control constantly in order to achieve desired results. The media has an important role to play. The members of civil society also need to contribute to these efforts in achieving a tobacco free society. He reiterated the Government’s resolve to effectively implement the legal provisions for tobacco control.
The Health Secretary, Mr. J.V.R. Prasad Rao, said that tobacco use is a serious public health challenge in several regions of the world. It has assumed the dimension of an epidemic resulting in enormous disability, disease and death. It is estimated that five million preventable deaths occur every year globally, attributable to tobacco use. At this rate, the number of such deaths is expected to double by 2020. In addition to damage to personal health, tobacco use results in severe societal costs like reduced productivity and health care burden, environmental damage and poverty of the families. The degree of destruction brought to bear upon the individual and society surpasses the returns generated by tobacco production and consumption in terms of revenue and employment.
Speaking on the occasion the WHO representative to India, Dr. S.J. Habayeb congratulated the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for achieving historic milestones in its efforts for curbing tobacco use in India. He said this report provides directions, which will have a profound impact not only on the health of the Indian people, but will also set a public health example at the global level.
The Health & Human Services, Government of USA, Dr. Altaf Ahmed Lal said that today’s report amounts to a momentous public health milestone for all of India and her citizens. The challenge will be to utilize India’s extensive scientific network to translate the report’s recommendations into practice.
Prof. & Head of Department of Cardiology, AIIMS, Prof. K. Srinath Reddy, said that this report provides a road map for multi-sectoral action to control tobacco. We now need a National Commission for Tobacco Control to put this plan into action and coordinate efforts across all sectors of society.