New Delhi,In an
unprecedented move nearly 653 doctors of India and office bearers of medical
societies all across India have urged the honourable prime minister to
implement the new set of Pictorial Warning from 1st April 2016 and save
millions of innocent women from getting widowed and kids from getting orphaned.
These doctors are the witness to the death and disaster caused by tobacco
consumption.
Doctors cutting
across specialties have requested PM to step in to prevent powerful tobacco
lobby from subverting the anti tobacco measures of the Government. The letter
reminds Mr Modi of his message posted on the Facebook on 31st May 2014 - Let’s
pledge to spread awareness on the risks of tobacco consumption & work to
reduce tobacco consumption in India. Tobacco not only affects those consuming
it but also people around. By saying no to tobacco, let us lay the foundation
of a healthier India.
Dr Pankaj
Chaturvedi, Professor and Surgeon at Tata Memorial Hospital said that “ The FB
message of Modi ji shows his personal commitment for this important public
health issue. Plethora of medical evidence have proven beyond doubt that
tobacco is the only consumer product that has no good use except causing
disease, disability and death. We are very hopeful that he will do the best for
the health of the nation.”
Dr PC Gupta,
Director Sekhsaria Institute of Public Health, Navi Mumbai said “ It is
unfortunate that the Committee on Subordinate Legislation is putting pressure
to delay and dilute the notification for pictorial warning. They seem to be
less bothered about devastation caused by tobacco but highly concerned about
the wellbeing of the tobacco Industry.”
Sanjay Seth, Chief
of Operations of Voice of Tobacco Victims Campaign said – “These are some of
the shocking facts against Tobacco - Nearly 10 lac Indians die every year
because of tobacco and nearly 50% cancers are attributable to tobacco. I am
sure government knows the staggering statistics and serious about tobacco
control.”
The doctors signing
the petition said “We are committed to this important public health issue
despite potential loss of our livelihood subsequent to effective tobacco
control. We are not complaining because nation comes first ! It is unfortunate
that COSL report is ignoring health of billions for the benefit of few lacs”
Dr Dilip Acharya,
Chairman National Cancer Control Committee of Indian Medical Association said –
“Large pictorial warning on tobacco packets is the most cost effective strategy
to prevent youngsters from initiating the use and provokes current users to
quit the habit. In a country where vast majority of users are less literate,
effective pictorial warning carries tremendous value.
Dr Ashok Dhoble,
Secretary, Indian Dental Association said “ it is established that large
pictorial warnings cuts down the tobacco consumption. That is why the entire
tobacco lobby has got united to subvert the notification.
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