Tobacco related deaths can be reduced significantly

The report shows that there were more than 7 million tobacco-related deaths globally in 2019 and 1.35 million deaths in India alone. According to the report, 66% of the respondents started using tobacco between the age of 20-25 years. 45% of respondents are unable to quit smoking or chewing tobacco due to lack of alternatives. It further claims that only 8% of the total tobacco consumed is from legally produced cigarettes, while the remaining 92% is consumed in the form of cheap tobacco products like beedis, chewing tobacco, khaini. The survey revealed that psychological factors such as stress, anxiety and emotional distress are the major driving factors for tobacco use in Tier I cities. The persistence of tobacco consumption underlines the need for India-specific policies that are based on regulations and science. While trying to implement globally prescribed tobacco control measures in India, helping a large economically vulnerable population that uses tobacco is a problem that Indian policy makers constantly face. According to this report, India is facing a dual challenge, both smoking and oral tobacco use is increasing on a large scale.

Impact of Tobacco on Health and Economy When it comes to the effects of tobacco use, health and the economy are inextricably linked. According to the report, 25% of the male population surveyed in tier II and III cities faced health problems, of which 29% were severe cases; While 50% of male respondents in Tier I cities mentioned health problems, of which 44% were serious cases. Yet, 81% of male respondents in Tier I cities reported serious health problems primarily due to lack of awareness and lack of options. Avoided quitting tobacco due to non-availability. More than 80% of tobacco-related deaths by 2030 are likely to occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the report said. At a macroeconomic level, it highlights that India loses 1% of its GDP every year due to diseases and early deaths caused by tobacco use.

To prevent this, India may consider adopting an effective tobacco control policy that will assist in reducing and ending the burden of harm and disease.India’s Strategies for Tobacco ControlIndia can control tobacco consumption and protect public health. Is actively enforcing strict rules with the aim of. The country enacted tobacco control laws in line with the provisions of the laws set by WHO with the aim of regulating the production, sale and consumption of tobacco products, as well as protecting non-smokers from exposure to passive smoke. To address the challenges of tobacco consumption, India has taken several steps to test toxins and components in tobacco products. While nationwide regulations play an important role, state-level regulations in India also complement the country’s comprehensive tobacco control framework. Have emerged as an important aspect of. The introduction of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was a welcome step that curbed the harm to tobacco users.

The act of using NRT products, such as chewing nicotine gum or using an inhaler, replicates the behavioral rituals associated with smoking, helping individuals quit the habit and reduce psychological dependence on cigarettes. Global Policies on Tobacco Use Global policies and programs designed to control the disease have increased due to intervention by countries. While many countries have complied with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), few have adopted a tailored approach. The report showed that Japan, compared to countries with limited access to less harmful alternatives such as India, Australia and Singapore The decline in smoking rates is higher in countries like the UK, New Zealand and Sweden. Key Recommendations – What else can be done The report advocates a change in approach, termed ‘Tobacco Control 3.0’ to achieve a healthy India referred to, it is important to invest in science-based solutions to tobacco control. According to the report, individuals who are unwilling to quit smoking should be encouraged to switch to less hazardous alternatives, thereby reducing their overall health risks. An increased focus on making nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) affordable and accessible may help these individuals quit. The report suggests enforcement officers to develop and maintain a detailed database of listed and unlisted manufacturers and retailers of tobacco products.

Additionally, focus on investing in technology such as blockchain to track illicit trade of cigarettes, gutkha and other banned tobacco products. The report recommends investing in an innovation fund to support research, data collection and impact monitoring Is. Increased investment for a nationwide mass media campaign supported by targeted regional media to educate smokers, dispel myths about tobacco use, and encourage their support for cessation will also play an important role. On the policy front, the report emphasizes the evaluation of less harmful alternatives that are consistent with the government’s goal of reducing tobacco-related harm and encouraging smoking cessation. Therefore, consumers, industry players and the government should come together to facilitate realistic and scientific tobacco control policies for a healthy future. Key Survey Findings 66% of respondents started tobacco use between the ages of 20-2545 % of respondents are unable to quit tobacco use due to lack of alternatives Only 8% of tobacco consumed is from legally produced cigarettes, the remaining 92% is consumed in the form of cheap tobacco products