Bengaluru: Health experts have welcomed the implementation of 85% pictorial warning on cigarette packets, but called for stricter implementation of the rule to reduce consumption.
“The implementation would definitely hit the new consumers that are added yearly to the market. But, we need strict enforcement of this order,” said Dr Vishal Rao, oncologist and a member of high power committee on tobacco control in the state. He was addressing a press conference here on Friday, a few days ahead of World No Tobacco Day (May 31). He said the new rule is a blow to cigarette manufacturers in India, which is ranked 136 out of 198 countries, according to the international status report on Cigarette Package Health Warnings, 2014. “Since all direct and indirect advertisements are banned, the only way the manufacturers can attract new consumers is through the packaging. Thus the new measure is a cost-effective way to reduce consumption.”
According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India, 28.2 per cent of adults (15 years and above) in Karnataka consume various forms of tobacco, of which 12 per cent were smokers. “Most consumers are illiterate, hence pictorial warnings would work. But for a wholesome solution, we would need to look at this issue from the supply and marketing side as well. Hence more laws are needed to tackle it,” said Chander from Society for Community Health Awareness Research and Action (SOCHARA). The Union Health Ministry has agreed that flavored smokeless tobacco (SLT) products were unsafe. Even then only 11 states have banned flavoured chewing tobacco in addition to Gutka.
