A study has shown that despite being aware of the ill effects of tobacco consumption and the Health Ministry's effort to curb the menace, its usage in the state is widespread and that users are starting consuming tobacco much earlier. A recent global adult tobacco survey stated that 40 per cent males and 16 per cent females above 15 years of age used tobacco in Karnataka and 37 per cent of them were exposed to passive smoking. Scarier is the fact that the use of tobacco is starting at an early age. A global youth tobacco survey showed that about 8 per cent boys and 2 per cent girls in the age group of 13-15 in the state use tobacco.
Addressing the media in connection with the upcoming World No Tobacco Day on May 31, Dr Somil Rastogi, Karnataka state consultant of the National Tobacco Control Programme, said: “Bringing about an awareness and strict implementation of rules is necessary to curb the usage of tobacco in any form as it is a major cause of various forms of cancer. About 50 per cent of cancer is caused due to tobacco usage which might be in the form of smoking or chewing. Added to this, tobacco is also one of the major causes for various non-communicable diseases like hypertension, heart attacks and strokes."
Though the Health Ministry is working on projects to curb tobacco menace, interference by the powerful tobacco industry in the tobacco control programme has been another cause of concern. The health warning picture on tobacco packets being delayed and diluted is just one example. Taxation of beedis, cigarettes and chewing tobacco is still below the recommended level,” said Dr Upendra Bhojani, member, Consortium for Tobacco Control, Karnataka.
“A high-level committee to monitor the tobacco control programme, increase in taxation for tobacco products and a stringent code of conduct for industries are essential to bring down and curb the usage of tobacco in the state” he added.
‘I wish I had not taken up chewing tobacco’
Thirty-seven-year-old Ramesh from Kamakshipalya who was addicted to gutka and snuff for the past 10 years is now regretting as his left eye, nose and brain tissue is damaged. Dr Vishal Rao, director, Cancer Prevention Project, Institute of Public Health said: “With complaints of protruding eyes, Ramesh came to me in June 2010. He was diagnosed with a tumour inside his eyes which had to be operated, along with damage in his brain tissue.”
Apart from snuff, for more than 10 years Ramesh used to consume about seven-eight packets of gutka every day. “He was operated on and is undergoing chemotherapy, but now the tumour has spread all along his bones there is no total cure in Ramesh’s case now. He is under palliative medicine,” added Dr Vishal. Ramesh said: “I was working as a wielder in a garage but now I am resting. My wife, working in a garment factory is looking after my two daughters who are studying. I am repentant. I wish I had not got addicted to gutka.”