Despite efforts to curb consumption of tobacco in the State over the last several decades, a survey has revealed that nearly 46 per cent people in Odisha are still consuming tobacco. While 10 per cent of the total tobacco consumption is in the form of smoking, 43 per cent people are consuming smoke-free tobacco.
To check the practice, Health and Family Welfare Secretary Pradipta Kuamr Mohapatra on Wednesday while chairing an inter-departmental coordination committee meeting, informed that the Government would strictly implement the anti-tobacco laws under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP). He also said efforts would be made to sensitise all stakeholders, which would reduce the prevalence of smoking. The survey revealed that 56 per cent males and 36 per cent females are consuming tobacco in the State. It further revealed that 38 per cent people in urban areas and 48 per cent in rural areas are tobacco consumers.
“Besides a comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship is required to ensure that people live tobacco-free healthy life.
It was reported that the tobacco-related diseases kill nearly 2,200 people in the country each year.