Panaji, Apr 6 (UNI) Consumers VOICE, a voluntary action group of academicians, professionals and volunteers, on Friday welcomed the decision of the Health Ministry of replacing the existing images on tobacco products, and releasing a new set of 85 per cent pictorial health warnings for mandatory display on both sides of the packets of cigarettes, bidis, and chewing tobacco with effect from September 1, 2018.
Addressing a press conference at International Centre Goa (ICG) near here, Ashim Sanyal, COO Consumer VOICE, said the Health Ministry has implemented, from April 2016, large pictorial health warnings occupying 85 per cent on both sides of all tobacco packages of cigarettes, bidis and all forms of chewing tobacco products and have been in effect for almost two years. The new graphic health picture warning are much effective deterrent for younger generation to initiate for tobacco use.
India’s current international ranking for package warnings is third in the world, as outlined in the October 2016 Canadian Cancer Society Report, Cigarette Package Health Warning International Status Report that ranked 205 countries worldwide, he said, adding the entire world applauded this progressive step taken by India in tobacco control and saving human lives.