Financial and economic analysts have been astounded by India’s development narrative. Leading international rating agencies have confirmed that, among the G-20 countries, India’s economy will expand at the quickest rate in 2024. Over the preceding three quarters, India’s GDP grew by 7.8% in Q1, 7.6% in Q2, and 8.4% in Q3.
Nevertheless, there is a little downturn in the nation’s economy, which is making some of the financial gains almost disappear.
According to KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services research titled “Human-Centric Approach to Tobacco Control,” illnesses and early tobacco-related deaths cost India a valuable 1% of its GDP annually. India is the second-most tobacco-producing country in the world, and the most productive age group is giving in to the need to consume tobacco and its byproducts. The alarmingly high rate of tobacco use among young people in India, aged 20 to 44, is concerning. According to the KPMG 2023 tobacco consumption survey, around 49% of participants in this age group smoke and/or use tobacco.
The Indian Medical Association’s former general secretary, Dr. Narender Saini, said that tobacco smoking has an impact on the country’s economy and health. There has been an increase in the burden of tobacco-related disease and death. Premature deaths are mostly caused by respiratory conditions, heart problems, and different types of cancer. There are also significant economic repercussions. Financial difficulties are experienced by families dealing with the aftereffects of tobacco-related illnesses, which often force many homes into poverty. Men in their prime who report having significant pulmonary damage from tobacco smoking are concerning. And it is regrettable that lung illnesses claim the lives of some of these breadwinners.”
India also has to deal with the combined problems of oral tobacco use and smoking. India has the second-highest population of tobacco users, with 250 million smokers between the ages of 16 and 64 as of 2018, according to the research. This is due to the fact that only 8% of tobacco used in India comes from legally made cigarettes; the other 92% comes from less expensive tobacco products, including bidis, chewing tobacco, and khaini, among others.
A seasoned medical practitioner, Dr. Chhavi Gupta, DM-Infectious Disease Senior Consultant at Yashoda Super-specialty Hospital, Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, states: “Assisting patients should be aided by technology.”
Dr. Gupta goes on to say, “There should also be an enhanced focus on making nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) affordable and accessible.”
A further concern is the increasing prevalence of illegal cigarette trafficking in India. In 2022, research by FICCI Cascade estimated the value of India’s illicit cigarette business to be Rs 22,930 crore. In 2022, the illegal tobacco sector cost the Indian government a total of Rs 13,331 crore, representing a 46% rise from 2012.
The paper offers a variety of alternative goods and cessation methods that have been shown to be successful in supporting people in their efforts to give up tobacco use as a remedy.
According to the research, the fight against tobacco use must involve a comprehensive, team-based strategy including manufacturers, consumers, regulatory bodies, public health experts, and support organizations.
The National Tobacco Control Program now includes NRT products, highlighting their significance as a harm reduction measure, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
One glimmer of hope remains. The production and sale of oral tobacco products are prohibited in more than 15 states.
The KPMG study states: “India needs to have a comprehensive roadmap towards tobacco harm reduction immediately.” In order to create novel and efficient harm reduction techniques and substitutes, proactive measures must also be taken to encourage cooperation between the government, public health specialists, regulators, consumers, and healthcare professionals, among other stakeholders.