Coalition formed to reduce tobacco consumption, hookah legislation on the anvil

Standing united in the fight against tobacco, over 40 NGOs and civil society members have joined hands to form a coalition to reduce tobacco consumption. Announcing the coalition at the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in Parel, Dr Vijay Satbir Singh, additional chief secretary (health), Maharashtra government said that the government was seriously mulling over a legislation for hookah parlours across the state that were leading to a rise in the consumption of tobacco.

"Tobacco and related health issues cost the state close to 2,300 crores annually. Taxation has worked and we have seen that with an increase in price by 10% there is a decrease in the sale of tobacco by 3-5%," Dr Singh said.

"The government is committed to tobacco control and in ensuring that cigarettes are not sold to minors," Dr Singh added.

Dr Pankaj Chatuvedi, surgical oncologist at TMC and anti-tobacco crusader explaining the purpose of the coalition said, "We are going to be working with the government to increase coordination between different departments to ensure action. Research will also be an important part carried out by members of the coalition."

“If tobacco is banned it will lead to a 40% reduction in cancer cases, 60% in cardiovascular cases and 60% reduction in lung diseases,” said Dr Rajendra Badwe, director, TMC.

Sale of loose cigarettes rampant in city finds survey

• A survey of 313 tobacco vendors near 23 train stations and 18 schools carried out by NGO Salaam Bombay showed that loose cigarettes were being sold across the city.
   
• 97% of the shops sold loose cigarettes which neutralizes the purpose of having pictorial. It also helps neutralizes the effect of taxation since loose cigarettes are affordable and most of the minors start with smoking single cigarettes.