The Tobacco Epidemic

India is the 2nd largest consumer of tobacco around the world accounts to upto 26 crore consumers according to recent data. It employs more than 60 Lakh people- Although not considering the employment generation cause the Nicotine present in Tobacco can penetrate through the skin making them vulnerable to many skin diseases and other health issues.

It is an Epidemic that causes over 3500 deaths per day.

In the fiscal year 2017-18, the Health Sector budget allocation was around ₹48K Crore. Still, the expenditure on Tobacco alone amounted to ₹1.7 Lakh crore, significantly exceeding expectations and resulting in substantial economic losses for the country.

Difficulties and concerns:-

1. Soil Health and Deforestation- Tobacco growing and curing are both direct causes of deforestation since forests are cleared for the tobacco plantations, and wood is burned to cure the tobacco leaves (in some countries, air curing is predominantly used to cure tobacco. Research has also shown that tobacco crops deplete soil nutrients by taking up more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium than other major crops.

2. Easily Available + Social acceptance- Globally, a steady increase in the rate of consumption of tobacco products and the number of smokers in the past decade has been reported with its main factor being its Easy availability.

3. Economic Dependence- deaths and diseases due to tobacco use deprive the Indian economy of an estimated INR 1773.4 million annually, which is over 1% of the GDP.

4. Healthcare burden + Access to cessation services- Tobacco use in India leads to a massive healthcare burden, causing diseases like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses, straining medical resources. Despite the need, access to cessation services is limited, with inadequate support and awareness, making it challenging for users to quit.

5. Non-uniform taxation- Tobacco in India faces non-uniform taxation due to varying rates across different states and categories (cigarettes, bidis, smokeless tobacco). This inconsistency leads to tax evasion, market distortions, and unequal economic burden on consumers and producers, complicating regulation and enforcement efforts.

Schemes:-

• WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) 2005- India is one of the 168 signatories, to reduce tobacco usage worldwide by helping countries develop demand and supply reduction strategies.

• National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) in 2007- To improve the implementation of COTPA and FCTC, enhance awareness about the harms of tobacco use and help people quit it.

• National Tobacco Quitline Service: To provide telephone-based info, advice, support, and referrals for Tobacco Cessation.

• Promulgation of the prohibition of Electronic cigarettes Ordinance 2019: Prohibits Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement of E-Cigarettes.