NOIDA: Given the "disturbing initiation" of the younger generation to smokeless tobacco (SLT) products, experts have suggested to the government to undertake a study on the impact of taxes under the GST regime on sale of such products and to completely restrict loose sale of such products.
Another major recommendation is the promotion and funding of quit lines -a confidential and free of cost service for those who want to quit smoking- under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP).
As reported by TOI on Tuesday, a ban on the advertisement of 'pan masala' and 'Supari' to curb SLT use in India, was the major recommendation of the 27-member expert group.
The other major recommendations of the experts from around the country included standardisation of all tobacco packs with minimum quantity for sale (in weight or unit as applicable), sale of SLT products in large tin packs and research for setting minimum floor pricing of tobacco products.
They have also suggested that the SLT and cessation of areca nut be included in health and development programmes like Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP), National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVD and Stroke (NPCDCS), etc.
The recommendations follow brainstorming at a two-day workshop on "Priorities in Smokeless Tobacco Control Research and Training needs" hosted by the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), Sector 39- WHO FCTC (Framework Convention on Tobacco Control) knowledge Hub on Smokeless Tobacco.
"There is a need for inclusion and integration of SLT and areca nut cessation under other health and development programs like RKSK, NPCDCS, RNTCP, etc. and in this regard quit lines should be promoted (and funded under NTCP) at the state level along with the national level quit line to serve the specific cessation needs of every state," read a statement from the NICPR.
"Sale of SLT may be recommended in large tin packs and further research should be undertaken on setting minimum floor pricing of tobacco products, for desired impact of the price and tax measures to reduce demand of tobacco products, especially among youth," it said.
Further, it has also been suggested that a health professional's capacity be built in advancing SLT and areca nut cessation.
"There is a need to assess perception and needs of health workers at every level regarding tobacco cessation overall and in particular for SLT and areca nut. Further, consensus building is required to develop a standard module for smokeless tobacco and areca nut cessation," it said.
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