While cities and semi-urban areas in the State have witnessed a gradual drop in smoking in public places over the last 10 years, more needs to be achieved by cracking down on outlets that resort to illegal sale of tobacco products, the Indian Medical Association said on Thursday, which was observed as World No-Tobacco Day.
“It is not just the bunk shops. Even bakeries, tea stalls, and small eateries sell cigarettes. This should be stopped by the police who have the powers to penalise these outlets,” IMA State president A.V. Jayakrishnan said.
“Make the enforcement stronger, so that availability of tobacco products is severely restricted for the public.”
From the days of urbanites indulging in rampant smoking in restaurants and other public places, cities and towns see fewer such instances now because the years-long campaign on the ill-effects had helped in stigmatising smoking.
“That smoking is taboo seems to be working, especially with fewer youngsters taking to the habit or continuing with it. But, the rural scenario is different. We still see a lot of tobacco smoke as it is yet to get stigmatised because of low awareness on the consequences,” he said.
“Across the country, the IMA has demanded larger pictorial warnings on packets containing cigarettes or chewable tobacco. This is needed especially in rural areas where beedi smoking is high, and where the unorganised beedi production sector flourishes,” he said.
The IMA wants tobacco cessation clinics in all government health centres, from primary to the tertiary. “At present, only some corporate hospitals have these clinics. It does not involve any expensive investment. Make known to the public the availability of these clinics where trained doctors and other personnel will counsel on the ill-effects,” he said.
Dr. Jayakrishnan also struck a note of warning on weaning options also, such as nicotine chewing gum and electronic cigarettes.
“Gum chewing should not become a habit. The electronic cigarette is used in Europe to wean chain smokers from cigarettes. In India, however, there is the fear of this becoming an addiction,” he said.
Restrict access
Seeks firm enforcement action by police
Demands larger pictorial warnings on packets containing cigarettes, chewable tobacco
