The Tata Memorial Centre released the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) fact sheet for the Maharashtra region. It provides estimates on tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke, and quit attempts among adults in the region. It also indirectly measures the impact of tobacco control and prevention initiatives of the state.
The GATS indicates that knowledge levels regarding the hazards of tobacco use among adults have been observed to be relatively high (85.9 per cent of those surveyed believed that smokeless tobacco causes serious illness and 86.4 per cent believed that smoking causes serious illness), however current prevalence of tobacco use is still high with 31.4 per cent adults using tobacco in any form (among whom 42.5 per cent are males and 18.9 per cent females). Maharashtra is one of the largest consumers of tobacco in the country. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of premature disease and death in the world and kills up to half of those who use it. In the 20th century, the tobacco epidemic killed 100 million people worldwide. During the 21st century, it is estimated that it could kill one billion and hence containing this epidemic is a top public health priority.
The report comes at a time when the Maharashtra Government is considering a ban on gutkha products to implement the Food Safety and Standards Act (2011). Data in the GATS report clearly illustrates the need for a gutkha ban in the State as soon as possible. 27.6 per cent adults surveyed in the GATS reported using smokeless products (Males- 35.3 per cent and Females-18.9 per cent).
Maharashtra CM, Prithviraj Chavan acknowledged that the figures for Maharashtra were alarming and that the government has already initiated strong steps to curb the menace of smoking. He has said that the Maharashtra Government is committed to take strict action against violators of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. He said that the Government is looking forward to a ‘tobacco-free’ Maharashtra with the proposed ban on gutkha in the state.
Doctors at the Tata Hospital have welcomed the Chief Minister’s strong statement and hope that the proposed Gutkha ban will soon be implemented in the state without any delays. Dr Rajendra Badwe, Director, Tata Memorial Centre says “Tobacco consumption is responsible for over 40 per cent of cancer mortality in India. The GATS data would be very useful to estimate the exact extent and nature of the problem and plan important preventive measures.”
EH News Bureau