Tobacco kills 13.5L Indians yearly, costs nation ₹1.8L crore
September 16, 2025 by newsbytesapp.com
Tobacco kills 13.5L Indians yearly, costs nation ₹1.8L crore
Tobacco is a major health issue in India, causing 1.35 million deaths annually. Treating tobacco-related diseases costs over ₹1.77 lakh crore each year. Only 7% of smokers quit without assistance. Healthcare experts recommend smoke-free nicotine alternatives to reduce harm, with studies showing they are significantly safer than cigarettes. Nicotine pouches, now available in 34 countries, including India, could help smokers switch from cigarettes. Public Health England states these alternatives are up to 95% less harmful than smoking. Dr. Soni from AIIMS-CAPFIMS suggests regulating these products to aid smokers in transitioning away from traditional cigarettes.
9.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 100.2 million current smokers in India 16.70% of men are current smokers but only 1.40% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
