Tobacco the killer

We Demand Smokefree Madhya Pradesh
World Health Organization estimated that around 100 million people died prematurely during the 20th century as a result of tobacco use, making it the leading preventable cause of death and one of the top killers overall. Another 1 billion more may die from tobacco use this century if current trends continue unchecked many countries have made laws about prohibition of smoking at public places but still proper implementation of law has not been done. Over 150 countries have already ratifies the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC),which requires countries to take a range of anti-smoking measures.World Health Organization has designed specific policies to help governments all over the world to control tobacco epidemic. The policies are called as MPOWER (Monitor, Protect. Offer help, Warn, Enforce ban, raise tax on tobacco).These policies are effective in giving direction to the government in order to control tobacco epidemic.India the worlds second largest consumer and third largest producer of tobacco , is among those taking action against tobacco Indian government has made a comprehensive law on tobacco control called COTPA which covers almost all aspects of FCTC treaty signed by India.India’s tobacco problem has serious implications for the country’s fragile healthcare system. The total cost of just three tobacco related diseases-coronary artery disease (CAD),chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),and tobacco related cancers-is estimated to be over Rs 308bn .This is shocking for a country like India which is still struggling to provide basic healthcare services to its 1 Billion strong population.India need strong advocates for raising voice against tobacco and generating awareness among general masses. Although Indian government has made law for tobacco control but strict implementation is lacking. Indian government has included all the provisions mentioned in WHO’s MPOWER policies to control epidemic in India