Setback to new pictorial health warning on tobacco products

Further delay and dilution of warnings feared despite Health Ministers assurances in Parliament.

In a shocking development,the Government is set to further delay the notified Mouth Cancer picture scheduled to appear on all tobacco products from December 1,2010.

As per latest available reports from the Health Ministry and the media,which has led to anger and serious disappointment among tobacco control activists and health professionals,the Health Ministry is likely to approach the Cabinet to water down pack warnings rules by proposing rotation of warnings every two years,instead of the mandated 12 months.

Further,the Ministry is also planning to drop the current notified,warning which is evidence-based and field-tested by replacing it with a less gory alternate picture to be developed by DAVP.

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Civil society organizations across the country have expressed shock and disbelief over this development. More than 4000 representations comprising of concerned individuals,Members of Parliament,youth leaders,womens groups,cancer patients,medical professionals,heads of educational institutions child rights groups,media houses,have been sent to the Prime Minister,Health Minister and the Finance Minister,besides Sonia Gandhi,strongly advocating & supporting the stronger/new pictorial warnings to be implemented on all tobacco packs from December 1st 2010.

A compilation of 7,800 signatures and 5,300 opinion polls in support of effective pictorial warnings,collected till date during the Pictures Save Lives Choose and Save Millions campaign oriented exhibition launched on Childrens Day by youth health advocates from HRIDAY (Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth) and Public Health Foundation of India,has been sent to Prime Minister,Health Minister and the Ministry of Health as well as the Finance Minister.

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Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the designation gives law enforcement “enhanced powers to combat a group that has instilled fear through violence and intimidation”.

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