The ticking time bomb of tobacco use in India is evident in the alarming statistics. With nearly 267 million adults, or 29% of the total adult population, addicted to tobacco, the nation is grappling with a public health crisis of unprecedented proportions. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) India 2016-17 paints a grim picture of the problem, with smokeless tobacco being the most prevalent form of consumption.
However, the crisis is far from uniform across the country. According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data, states like Telangana, with a staggering 22.3% of men aged 15 and above using tobacco, are ground zero in this battle.
Dr. P. Shashikala Palkonda, Ex Dean and Professor of Microbiology at Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad indicates the gravity of this situation, stating, “In Telangana, 22.
3% of men aged 15 years and above use tobacco, highlighting a significant public health issue. With nearly 267 million adults using tobacco in India, revising tobacco cessation policies to include effective alternatives is imperative. These alternatives should be available only for serious smokers, providing scientifically proven options for those committed to quitting.
By integrating successful strategies from Japan, Sweden, the UK, and the USA, and consulting experts, we can introduce safer alternatives like HTPs to effectively combat addiction.” The challenge lies in finding a balance between public health and individual liberty. While complete abstinence re.