Tobacco control: An alternative agenda for India on harm reduction
April 23, 2024 by indiatimes.com
Tobacco control: An alternative agenda for India on harm reduction
India failed to differentiate between traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. Despite acknowledging these differences for taxation, the ban on e-cigarettes remained uniform. The country, grappling with a high number of smokers, should consider harm reduction strategies like other nations. India's focus on tobacco control has had limited success, with a significant burden of tobacco-related diseases. The government must explore safer alternatives and tailor regulations based on toxicant levels.
8.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 80.5 million current smokers in India 14.40% of men are current smokers but only 1.40% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
