~ Balancing Health and Policy in Tobacco Control~
Mumbai,
November : The Global
Sustainability Alliance Health Council convened a pivotal roundtable discussion
on tobacco control, bringing together experts from healthcare, public policy,
and addiction research to examine the challenges of prohibition versus
regulation in addressing tobacco consumption. The dialogue explored the
limitations of current tobacco control policies, the socio-economic impacts of
tobacco use, and the critical need for compassionate, evidence-based strategies
moving forward.
The
roundtable emphasized the necessity of shifting the perspective on tobacco use,
recognizing addiction as a disease rather than a habit. Experts argued for the
implementation of more effective and inclusive regulations that can both
protect public health and ensure fair treatment for those affected by tobacco
addiction.
Dr.
Lancelot Mark Pinto, Consultant Pulmonologist and Epidemiologist at PD Hinduja
Hospital, strongly criticized the societal stigmatization of smokers. “We use
the word ‘smoker,’ which ideally, we shouldn’t. It’s a person who smokes, not a
smoker,” he explained. “It is an addiction, not a habit.” Dr. Pinto called for
a societal rethink of addiction, urging that it be treated as a medical issue
rather than a moral failing.
Dr.
Sabita Jiwnani, Professor of Thoracic Surgery at Tata Memorial Hospital.
raised concerns about India’s ban on e-cigarettes, calling it ineffective.
“India banning e-cigarettes has actually been a joke on us. They are so easily
available. This ban is just an eye wash,” she asserted. She advocated for
regulation instead of prohibition to enable the government to better control
accessibility and prevent access of harmful products.
Pingal
Khan, Partner at Ashlar Law, offered a critical observation on India’s
policymaking approach: “Indian policymaking often takes a feudal stance: 'We
are right, you are wrong.' This mindset has turned smokers into societal
outcasts—a glaring policy failure. When you make your fellow citizens feel like
lepers, you fail as a society, as citizens, and as a government.” Khan noted
that while the Supreme Court recognizes addiction as a disease, the government
continues to treat it as a choice, fueling stigma rather than offering support.
Dr.
Rohan N. Bartake, Tobacco Treatment Specialist and Founder of "Quit
Buddy," emphasized the importance of tailoring tobacco control strategies
to each country’s unique context. “The WHO's MPOWER framework emphasizes
strengthening laws, raising awareness, and promoting cessation, among other
aspects. While we must ensure strict adherence to this framework across all
areas, it's important to remember that one approach won't work for every
country, as each has its unique dynamics. Therefore, we must tailor solutions
to account for socio-economic factors and other local considerations,” he said.
Dr.
Upendra Bhalerao, Consultant Cardiothoracic and Transplant Surgeon at Jaslok
Hospital, discussed the broader policy context, drawing attention to the failed
history of prohibition. “Consider the
availability of sugary drinks and the prominence of alcohol shops everywhere.
Prohibition has never worked. When smoking or consuming tobacco products is
outlawed, it doesn’t eliminate the problem—it just drives it underground.” he
said, emphasizing the need for regulation instead of prohibition.
Dr.
Anil Heroor, Cancer Surgeon and Robotic Surgery Specialist, emphasized the need
to reframe tobacco use as a disease rather than just an addiction. “As a
clinician and cancer surgeon, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating
effects of tobacco, particularly when it leads to tobacco-related cancers. The
impact is not limited to the individual; it ripples through their family and
the larger community. The consequences of tobacco use are not just a health
crisis—they represent a deep socio-economic challenge, affecting not only the
patient's well-being but also their loved ones and the broader society,” he
said.
Kshitij
Jadhav, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor at the Koita Centre for Digital Health at
IIT Bombay and Chief Project Coordinator of AI Centres of Excellence, Ministry
of Education, Government of India, concluded the discussion by calling for a
shift in mindset. “Smoking addiction isn’t just a matter of willpower; it’s a
disease. Like any other disease, it requires a comprehensive, end-to-end
strategy—from effective laws and treatment frameworks to empathetic,
technology-driven interventions,” he said.
This
roundtable marked an important step in reshaping the conversation around tobacco
use, with experts calling for stronger regulation, better access to cessation
treatments, and a comprehensive, inclusive approach to addressing tobacco
consumption. The experts agree that a unified, evidence-based strategy is
essential for addressing tobacco cessation in India and improving public health
outcomes across the nation.
About
Global Sustainability Alliance
Global
Sustainability Alliance is an impact led community of thought leaders who are
working towards transforming bold ambitions into action. The group of people
activates leadership globally to make economies sustainable for people, nature,
and climate.