Report: India's Tobacco Consumption Ranks 2nd Globally, 27% Adults

According to a report published by KPMG Insurance and Consulting Services and ET Edge on May 1st, India is the second largest consumer of tobacco globally, with 27% of Indian adults having a tobacco consumption habit. The report highlights the need for a comprehensive roadmap focused on reducing tobacco-induced harm, with diverse and less harmful alternatives to help individuals quit smoking. It is estimated that by 2060, the annual number of deaths globally due to tobacco-related illnesses will decrease by 50%.

According to a report, tobacco-related diseases caused over 7 million deaths globally in 2019, with India accounting for 1.35 million of those deaths. The report also showed that 66% of respondents began smoking between the ages of 20-25. Due to lack of alternatives, 45% of respondents were unable to quit smoking or chewing tobacco. The report further stated that only 8% of tobacco consumed is in the form of legally produced cigarettes, with the remaining 92% being cheap tobacco products such as chewing tobacco and khaini. In major cities, stress, anxiety, and emotional distress were identified as the main reasons for smoking.

India faces a dilemma as it attempts to implement global tobacco control initiatives while also trying to support a large population of economically vulnerable smokers. On the other hand, reports suggest that India is also grappling with the dual challenge of smoking and smokeless tobacco abuse.

A report has pointed out that the impact of tobacco consumption on health and the economy is closely linked. According to the report, 25% of the male population surveyed in second and third-tier cities have health problems, with 29% of cases being severe; while in first-tier cities, 50% of male respondents mentioned having health problems, with 44% of cases being severe.

However, due to a lack of awareness of the dangers of tobacco and a lack of alternatives, 81% of male respondents with serious health issues in first-tier cities have not quit smoking. The report predicts that by 2030, 80% of tobacco-related deaths will occur in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, in India, the early deaths and illnesses caused by tobacco use reduce the country's Gross Domestic Product by 1% annually. Therefore, India may need to adopt effective tobacco control policies to reduce harm and disease burden, as well as support people in quitting smoking.

India has already implemented strict regulations to control tobacco consumption and protect public health. The country has enacted tobacco control laws in line with the requirements of the World Health Organization, aiming to regulate the production, sale, and consumption of tobacco products, as well as protect non-smokers from the effects of secondhand smoke. In order to address the challenges posed by tobacco consumption, India has taken several measures, including testing harmful substances and ingredients in tobacco products.

Global policies and projects aimed at controlling tobacco use have been upgraded thanks to the participation of various countries. While many countries have complied with the World Health Organization's tobacco control convention, some countries have adopted tailored approaches. The report points out that in countries like Japan, the UK, New Zealand, and Sweden, where there are many less harmful alternatives available, the decline in smoking rates is greater than in countries like India, Australia, and Singapore, where access to less harmful alternatives is limited.

The report advocates for changing current practices and shifting towards "tobacco control 3.0," implementing evidence-based tobacco control solutions to achieve a healthier India. The report suggests encouraging those unwilling to quit smoking to switch to less harmful alternatives to reduce their overall health risks.

Increasing attention to making nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) more affordable and accessible can further support these individuals in quitting smoking. The report recommends law enforcement agencies develop and maintain comprehensive databases of tobacco product manufacturers and retailers, both on the market and unlisted. Furthermore, investment in technologies such as blockchain should be considered to track illegal trade of tobacco and other prohibited tobacco products.

The report also recommends investing in innovation funds to support research, data collection, and impact monitoring. Increasing investment in nationwide mass media campaigns and supporting targeted regional media to educate smokers, dispel misconceptions about tobacco use, and encourage them to support smoking cessation will also play a crucial role.