Creating a Smoke-Free Generation: Urgent Call for Legislative Action

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has made a compelling appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advocating for decisive legislative action against smoking. He proposes a ban on cigarette sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, to foster a smoke-free generation in India.

Highlighting the grave public health threat posed by tobacco, Ramadoss pointed out that a staggering 267 million Indians use tobacco, contributing to over 1.35 million direct deaths annually. He further noted that exposure to second-hand smoke exacerbates this crisis, leading to approximately 2.3 million deaths each year.

Citing scientific evidence linking tobacco use to cancer and various non-communicable diseases, Ramadoss urged India to emulate measures seen in the UK by instituting a permanent ban for future generations. Such legislation, he argues, would critically mitigate the immense public health challenge posed by tobacco consumption.

(With inputs from agencies.)