Empowering India's Tobacco Quitters: Over-the-Counter Nicotine Therapies Take Center Stage
Public health experts praised India's tobacco control efforts, urging for continued access to 2 mg and 4 mg nicotine replacement therapies as over-the-counter products. These tools are vital for increasing quit rates in a country with significant tobacco challenges. Experts emphasize policy should align with evidence-based strategies to enhance accessibility.
In a recent health forum, experts lauded the Indian government's tobacco control strategies while urging further ease of access to nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs). This call was made during Respire-2026, an event hosted by the Asian Coalition for Health Empowerment.
With current quit success rates in India below 5%, experts emphasized that making 2 mg and 4 mg NRTs, such as gums and lozenges, accessible over-the-counter is crucial. The report by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister highlighted the economic benefits accruing from reduced tobacco use, especially among low-income groups.
Specialists cautioned against limited access to these cessation tools, underscoring the importance of regulatory consistency and ease of access. As further highlighted by the event, balancing regulation while maintaining OTC availability of these therapies supports India's broader public health objectives.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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