Bengaluru: The new rule mandating 85 per cent pictorial warning on tobacco products, introduced by Government of India beginning April 1, 2016, in the larger interest of public health, is yielding good results. A recent survey on the compliance of the new pictorial warning in different states of the country has shown good indications. In Karnataka, the survey has compliance of 70 per cent in cigarette products with maximum number of brands already in tune with the new pictorial warning rule.
It can be noted here that the new rules stipulate, the specified health warning shall cover at least 85 per cent of the principal display area of the package, of which 60 per cent shall cover pictorial health warning and 25 per cent textual health warning and shall be positioned on the top edge of the package. The Institute of Public Health (IPH), Bengaluru conducted the survey with Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), Niche and other organizations and found that 55 per cent smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco) packs displayed new pictorial warnings as per the norms and when it comes to beedi packs the compliance is 12 per cent.
In a related press conference held on September 17, health experts and members associated with the survey shared the findings in the presence of diverse stakeholders. HS Doreswamy said, it is sad to note that every third Indian adult uses some form of tobacco and about 10 lakh Indians die from tobacco-related diseases each year in India. “Young children and the illiterate will benefit from such large pictorial health warnings, as they will be forced to think again before using these deadly products,’’ he said.
UT Khader, Minister Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department said, tobacco is the only consumer product that has no good use except causing disease, disability and death. Large pictorial warning is a good measure to help consumers make an informed choice. We must work toward creating a ‘Swasthya Bharat’ for our future generations.
Suresh Kumar, former law minister commended the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for effectively implementing the 85 per cent pictorial warnings on tobacco products, especially in light of the upcoming WHO Conference of Parties (COP) to be hosted in India.
Dr US Vishal Rao, member of Karnataka Government’s High Power Committee on Tobacco Control said that the beedi industries had opposed the new rule saying, it can’t be printed on beedi packs as the shape of the beedi packets are quite complicated to comply with rule. “However, 12 per cent of compliance has proved the 85 per cent warnings can be printed on beedi packs as well and other beedi companies can’t give excuses on the same,” he added.
Dr Pragati Hebbar from the Institute of Public Health said the data collected from this study demonstrates that contrary to the claim of major tobacco companies, printing the new 85 per cent warnings is practically feasible on all tobacco products.
Health experts welcome the move on pictorial warnings again and said that the same will help in creating awareness in terms of educating people about the harms of tobacco consumption.
Senthil Kumar, a cancer survivor from Voice of Tobacco Victims who has initiated thanking petition on change.org appreciating the step taken by the government regarding 85 per cent pictorial warning on tobacco products said, “It is really happy to see vast public support for this cause, we have crossed more than 10,000 signatures for the petition.” He also urged the government for strict implementation.
