ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) & (b): As per the estimates given in the 2nd round of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2) report (2016-17), mortality due to tobacco in India is estimated at upwards of 1.3 million, which is based on several studies. This estimate does not include the deaths caused due to e-cigarettes, as e-cigarettes are a distinct product class and are not tobacco products.
(c): Several steps have been taken by the Government to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use including that of bidi rollers from unorganized sector in order to reduce deaths related to tobacco use. Some of the major steps are as under;
• The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has enacted a comprehensive legislation, namely the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA 2003) to discourage the consumption of tobacco products in order to protect the masses from the health hazards attributable to tobacco use.
• The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was launched by this Ministry in 2007- 08 with the aim to (i) create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, (ii) reduce the production and supply of tobacco products, (iii) ensure effective implementation of the provisions under COTPA, 2003 (iv) help people quit tobacco use, and (v) facilitate implementation of strategies for prevention and control of tobacco advocated by WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control.
• The stakeholders are being made aware on a regular basis about the adverse effects of tobacco usage on health through various anti-tobacco campaigns vide different mode of communication.
• The Government of India has notified rules to regulate films and TV programmes depicting scenes of tobacco usage to spread awareness. Such films and TV programmes are statutorily required to run anti-tobacco health spots, disclaimers and static health warnings.
• Size of specified health warnings on tobacco products is enhanced w.e.f. 1st April, 2016 to 85% of the principal display area of tobacco product packs. Quitline number has been included in new specified health warnings with Quitline number which came into effect on 1st September, 2018. The MoHFW has also started National Tobacco Quitline to provide tobacco cessation services to the community and has launched a pan-India “mCessation” initiative to reach out to tobacco users who are willing to quit tobacco use and to support them towards successful quitting through text-messaging via mobile phones.
• In order to encourage tobacco workers to shift to alternative vocations, the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India has initiated ‘Skill Development’ programme for bidi rollers to facilitate them to shift to alternative vocations.
• Department of Agriculture and Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has extended Crop Diversification Programme (CDP), an on-going sub-scheme of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) to 10 tobacco growing States w.e.f 2015-16 to encourage tobacco growing farmers to shift alternate crops/cropping systems.
• There has been 6% absolute reduction in prevalence of tobacco use from 34.6% to 28.6% from 2009-10 to 2016-17 (Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2).
As per the inputs received from Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, Health care facilities are being provided to Beedi, Cine and Non Coal Mine workers and to their families through 10 Hospitals and 286 Dispensaries located across the country. Reimbursement of expenditure for specialized treatment taken under Government recognized Hospitals in case of critical disease;
Cancer Reimbursement of actual expenses on treatment, medicines and diet charges incurred by workers, or their dependents.
Tuberculosis
Reservation of beds in T.B. Hospitals and domiciliary treatment for workers. Subsistence allowance of Rs. 750/- to Rs. 1000/- p.m is granted as per the advice of the treating physician.
Heart Diseases Reimbursement of expenditure up to Rs. 1,30,000/- to workers.
Kidney Transplantation Reimbursement of expenditure up to Rs. 2,00,000/- to workers.
Hernia, Appendectomy, Ulcer Gynaecological diseases and Prostrate diseases Reimbursement of expenditure up to Rs. 30,000/- to workers and their dependents.
(d): No such specific data is maintained centrally.
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