One-third of the Indian population consumes some or other form of tobacco. Given that we are a populous crossing 1.3 billion strength, the number of tobacco users exceeds the total population of US. The trend suggests that more than a million deaths annually can be attributed to tobacco related diseases in India. There exists a strong global and national evidence linking tobacco to cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. There is a significant economic burden due to resources invested in healthcare to treat tobacco related diseases.
Besides the treatment related expenditure, the indirect cost due to loss of function, absence from work, premature death loss of work to family member constitute a greater burden. Highlighting the fact, that most of the deaths caused by tobacco related disease are of the individuals aged between 35-69 year, which is the young working class of the nation. Additionally, teenage still remains the common age for initiation into this habit. At an age when they should be enjoying their college days, exploring the world, they spend a large part of their pocket money on this deadly substance. As the policy maker take necessary steps to control tobacco use, Indian society should completely get rid of this social evil which is a threat to development.
— Dr Vikram Kekatpure, senior consultant, Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Cytecare Hospital, Bengaluru