New Delhi: Tobacco control seems to have finally taken precedence in India. First the Modi government made cigarettes costlier, then called for nationwide ban on tobacco products and now for the first time in over a decade since the cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 (COTPA) was formed, the Health ministry is reviewing the law to make it more stringent and effective.
The new recommendations which are yet to be reviewed by the Health Ministry will be presented in the parliament during the winter session. The new recommendations include age limit for tobacco consumption increased from 18 to 25 years, larger and stronger warning images on all tobacco products, penalty for smoking in public places to be hiked, banning of tobacco product advertisements at all retail points.
These recommendations are in compliance with WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control or FCTC. This is a treaty that lays down a set of universal standards to limit the use of tobacco worldwide.
As part of their five year plan, the Health Ministry has also increased the budget outlay on the national tobacco control plan and launched a huge mass media campaign. These new advertisements- which include a first hand testimony from a woman who is fighting oral cancer will now be shown in theatres across India starting September.
A quit line to help those who want to quit smoking will also be launched soon- say ministry sources.
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