In India, diseases linked to tobacco use are a major public health concern, accounting for over 1.35 million deaths annually. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking is a significant risk factor for a number of chronic illnesses, such as lung disease, stroke, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. India, the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of tobacco, has a difficult time addressing this problem because cheap tobacco products are so widely available.
Approximately 267 million adults, or 29% of the population aged 15 and over, smoke, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India. Products that don’t contain smoke, such as zarda, gutkha, betel quid with tobacco, and khaini, are particularly popular among these users. The high proportion of tobacco usage among youth (28% of adults aged 15-24 being regular smokers) is a worrying trend. Experts in public health stress the urgent need for changes to address this problem, including the promotion of useful aids for quitting and the investigation of safer substitutes to lessen the harm associated with tobacco use.
During a speech at Sharda University as part of the Smoke Free India campaign, Dr. Rajat Sharma from the University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital emphasized the addictive nature of nicotine. According to Dr. Sharma, nicotine addiction is a chronic brain illness that makes quitting extremely difficult, especially for young individuals. In order to battle nicotine dependence, he underlined the necessity of a holistic plan that includes community support, regulatory changes, and education.
Although some experts argue that less harmful smoking alternatives, such as heated tobacco products, may reduce health risks related to smoking, these products should be viewed as a component of a larger plan that promotes total quitting. To effectively reduce tobacco consumption, public health specialists advocate for increased tariffs on tobacco products, tougher regulations on tobacco sales, and improved public awareness efforts.
Organizations that actively assist people in giving up tobacco use include Smoke Free India. In order to assist people attempting to overcome addiction, Meenakshi Jha, the organization’s Chief Convenor, emphasized the significance of more stringent tobacco control laws and community-based cessation programs. Jha also emphasized the need for quick action to stop more tobacco-related illnesses from killing people.
In conclusion, the government, public health groups, and communities must work together to combat India’s tobacco pandemic. In order to reduce tobacco use and save lives, stricter laws, greater public awareness, and improved access to quitting treatments are essential.
SOURCE :
ONE INDIA
