Rajasthan is National Leader in putting up 85% Statutory Warnings on All Tobacco Products. Taking a step further in this direction, the health department recently asked all local healthcare institutions to Ban tobacco sale around their premises.
To protect its people against the growing tobacco epidemic, Rajasthan health department declared all local hospitals and health-care institutions “tobacco free” by banning tobacco sale within 100 yards of their premises. Expressing concern over the rising number of oral and mouth cancer patients in Rajasthan, state health secretary Mr. Naveen Jain specifically asked the institutions to put up ‘say no to tobacco’ and other ‘warning’ signs within their institution.
If the health officers are to be believed, this endeavor will help authorities generate awareness regarding tobacco consumption. The decision was taken in compliance with the COPTA (Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Prohibition Act) of 2003. As per Indian constitution, the act restricts the sale of nicotine and tobacco products near health/educational institutions and their usage/consumption at public places.
A health survey conducted in 2010 reveals that nearly 1 million Indians die due to cancer caused by smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Therefore, it was necessary to implement strict rules in public interest.
The move was heartily welcomed by health specialists working towards public health. Besides, both the Centre and state’s budget 2017 surged taxes on cigarettes to discourage youth from smoking. Many youngsters are dependent on their pocket money and part time jobs for purchasing these items. Price inflation will surely affect this poor lifestyle choice.
Many health officers have backed the government to control this evil. Expressing concern over limited number of attempts to seize harmful products from drug mafias, the MD of NHM (National Health Mission) instructed food safety officers to conduct raids in public places. This way, the government can spot and capture illegal traders dealing in narcotics at shady places.
Activists, experts and NGO owners like Sanjay Seth (from Voice of Tobacco Victims) appreciated Rajasthan government’s new initiative. He’s positive that such efforts will help evade this evil, if implemented effectively.
