The annual health awareness event of 'No Smoking Day', which is observed on the second Wednesday of March, got held on March 10 this year. The main purpose of the observance was to help smokers to quit smoking which is one of main causes of cancer and premature deaths.
Also, the observance is dedicated to raising awareness about dangers of tobacco products like chewing tobacco and cigarette smoking .
According to GOI notification [1], "Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the worst habits one can adopt. The health risks are known to all but still thousands of youth, between 12 to 17 years of age, start smoking each day. Some start it out of curiosity and others might just want to look like grownups. Effect of smoking starts with coughing and throat irritation accompanied with bad breath and bad smelling clothes. It also leads to a patchy skin and discoloration of teeth. "
Over the time, more serious conditions may develop, including health problems like heart disease, bronchitis, pneumonia, stroke, and many types of cancer, out of which, oral cancer being quite common."
It adds, "Smoking is one of the biggest preventable causes of premature death. It is one of the main causes of serious and often fatal conditions, including heart disease and lung cancer. No matter what your age is or how long you've been smoking, your health benefits will begin as soon as you quit."
Furthermore, the GOI has enacted various legislations and comprehensive tobacco control measures as follows [2].
Cigarettes Act (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) in 1975.The statutory warning “cigarette smoking is injurious to health” was mandatorily displayed on all cigarette packages, cartons and advertisements of cigarettes.
Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce Production, Supply and Distribution)” Act enforced in 2003.
The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India in 2007- 08 to bring about greater awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and about the Tobacco Control Laws and to facilitate effective implementation of the Tobacco Control Laws. (COTPA 2003)
The Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Second Amendment Rules, 2018 includes textual health warning “TOBACCO CAUSES CANCER” and two images of health warning and the words “QUIT TODAY CALL 1800-11-2356” on packets of tobacco products.
Link [1]
Link [2]
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