With the induction of the new Union Health Minister in the third Narendra Modi cabinet, there is a renewed sense of optimism for advancing healthcare, particularly for the economically disadvantaged. However, India’s battle against tobacco use faces a significant hurdle with the recent move to make Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) prescription-only.
Tobacco consumption remains a critical public health issue, especially among the economically weak, leading to devastating health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and lung disease. As of 2020, an alarming 27% of Indians aged 15 and above were using tobacco. The KPMG 2023 survey projects that by 2030, over 80% of tobacco-related deaths will occur in low and middle-income countries, with a third attributed to cardiovascular diseases. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for a strategic overhaul in India’s approach to tobacco control to save millions of lives.
Dr. Aastha Dewan, Life Coach and Psychotherapist stresses the urgent need for India to develop a comprehensive strategy for reducing tobacco-related harm, explaining, “India must adopt a holistic approach to tobacco harm reduction, integrating targeted interventions into the national health system to significantly reduce tobacco use. Reducing tobacco harm and promoting cessation are vital for controlling tobacco addiction, as they help decrease cigarette consumption and associated risks. To achieve this, it is essential to ensure that proven Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and other evidence-based, safer tobacco alternatives are easily accessible to everyone.”
Dr. Dewan further emphasizes, saying, “By making these therapies and alternatives readily available, saying, “By making these therapies and alternatives readily available, India can take a significant step towards improving public health and reducing the devastating impact of tobacco addiction.”
NRT is endorsed by WHO as the most effective tool for tobacco cessation. Efforts should focus on raising awareness, affordability, and accessibility, while combining NRT with holistic strategies like talk therapy for improved quitting success.
In light of these alarming statistics, Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Consultant-Respiratory Medicine, Allergy & Sleep Disorder at BLK-MAX Super Speciality Hospital emphasizes the necessity of making Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) more accessible, stating, “The new government must prioritize NRT and safer alternatives to not only curb the rising use of tobacco and related products but also help current users quit. Keeping NRT products available over the counter (OTC) is a crucial step in this direction. NRT abuse rates are low and concerns over promotion of youth dependence to nicotine by offering the sale of NRT as OTC to adults have not been realized. NRT is available as OTC product in more than 100 countries.
Dr. Gupta further highlights the importance of OTC availability of NRT, explaining, “Accessible NRT options can significantly aid in reducing tobacco use and supporting individuals in their journey to quit. This approach could lead to a healthier society by preventing tobacco-related health issues and promoting overall well-being.” The way forward in the battle against tobacco consumption entails a holistic and collaborative approach, with the government playing a key role in implementing effective policies to reduce tobacco use and promote public health. The lives of millions depend on swift action and prioritizing tobacco control as a topmost priority.
