Bhopal: Government treats World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) more like a formality or with symbolism like a festival,” said doctors and social activists in the city on the eve of World No Tobacco Day which falls on May 31. They told Free Press that MP has no government de-addiction centre and in the past five years, the number of tobacco users, especially children and youths, has increased.
The authorities have failed to implement the rules they made to control or to decrease the number of tobacco users. According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2) in MP50.2% of men, 17.3% of women and 34.2% of all adults currently either smoke and or use smokeless tobacco.
As per data, 19.0.2% of men, 0.8% of women and 10.2% of all adult currently smoke tobacco, while 38.7% of men, 16.8% of women and28.1% of all adults currently use smokeless tobacco. On an average 348 people lose their lives every day due to tobacco related complications.
Dr. Bhushan Singh who runs Prayas de-addiction centre, near J K Hospital in Kolar Road said, “The Day is just like a festival, nothing more. They are not any taking concrete steps to control this. In the past five years, the number of tobacco users, mostly in the children of age group (12 to 18years) has increased immensely. Its ratio is also increased among females especially unmarried in the age groups (18 to 25 years).”
“Nicotine which is used in tobacco is injurious to health whether people take in small or large quantity. It damages our lungs, respiratory systems. It enhances cholesterol and affects our digestive system and heart. The percentage of oral cancer has increased than before. Now 80 % people are suffering from oral cancer. People spend almost 10 to 15 % of their salary on tobacco, ” Singh said.
Sudheer Bhargav, a social activist who has been working in the areas of de-addiction for 22 years said, “There is no de-addiction centre in MP. Most of the private centres even semi government centers have been closed due to lack of funds. The number of tobacco addicts is increasing by the day because it is cheap and easily available in the market.”
“As per the law no any tobacco shops should operate in the vicinity of educational centers and hospitals but reality is different. So, if the government really wishes to prevent people from smoking, it should first implement the laws strictly rather than merely celebrating the no tobacco day,” he said.
People give up on their resolutions to stop smoking, chewing tobacco, doing exercise etc just like their new year’s resolution. However, there are some warriors have overcome their personal limitations and emerged victorious in their battle against tobacco. They shared their experiences with the Free Press. Interestingly, they left tobacco on their own, not by any external force.
Rajesh Bhadoria, social activist
I am from Etawah, UP. I started chewing tobacco at the age of 14. Now, I am of 48-years-old. I left tobacco four years back. When I left, I didn’t feel that my body was much addicted to it. So it didn’t took much effort. Before leaving I consulted some of my friends who have already left tobacco, to know their experiences. Initially, I has a bit of headache, but gradually it vanished completely due to support of my family. I think, the support of family as well as your friends and colleagues is the most essential in this battle. Now, when my friends offer tobacco to me I tell them that I have left chewing tobacco and started eating toffees now.
Javed Anis, social activist
I started smoking when I was in college. At that time, I was of 24 years. Now, I am of 37 years. I used to smoke six cigarettes a day. Gradually, my health started deteriorating. I began getting allergic to smoke. I started facing heart and respiratory problems. So I decided to quit smoking because and left it completely four years ago. Before leaving, I also informed my friends with whom I used to smoke that I am quitting, so from now please don’t force me for company. And actually, they didn’t. I think there are many people who are forced by others or circumstances but in the end we need to take the final call. I could do it because of my sheer willpower. I can say that one’s free will is the most important weapon in this battle. Now, I feel good that I am, free from the dependency on cigarette.
