Rakesh Gupta
Department of Health & Family Welfare, India
Title: Prevalence of tobacco use among adults in Punjab, India: Evidence from National Family Health Survey 4
Biography
Biography: Rakesh Gupta
Abstract
Background and challenges to implementation: Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) popularly known as e-cigarettes are highly addicting and potentially lethal products. It is mostly being used by children and youth because these are glamorised by the tobacco industry. Though not generally available in stores, they are widely promoted and sold through E commerce sites with discount offers. Sales are increasing sharply all over the world. Punjab was the first state in India to declare Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) as unapproved under Drugs and Cosmetics Act in 2013. Intervention or response: A circular was issued by Government of Punjab regarding declaration of manufacture and sale of ENDS as illegal. To counter the sale on the Ecommerce site, Punjab Government had issued a Demi-Official letter to Cyber Crime cell regarding the sale of E-cigarettes in 2016. Awareness notices were sent to various E commerce sites regarding the sale of E cigarette. District level Task Force effectively implements the ban through conducting raids at suspected point of sale, which is being monitored monthly by Deputy Commissioners of all Districts. Results and lessons learnt: Cyber Crime Cell identified the 26 E commerce sites that were selling the E cigarettes. Letter was sent to these sites regarding the Blocking/banning the sale of e cigarettes. After that No E commerce sites are selling e cigarettes in Punjab Conclusions and key recommendations: The declaration by the Government of Punjab opens the way for other states to follow suit, and prevent ENDS becoming an additional marketing strategy for tobacco companies.