Now, pictorial warnings on cigarette packets hope to deter smokers

For every problem there is a solution. And to tackle the menace of smoking, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has come up with another step to discourage smokers. Cigarette packets will now show pictorial warnings. These labels are specially meant for low-literacy audiences and children, which are the two most vulnerable groups. Moreover, it is believed that graphics create greater impact than words.

With the law against the same already having been implemented in countries like Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Singapore, those behind the idea are very hopeful about India. According to Dr P C Gupta, Director of Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, " In a study done by our institute, it was found that 97% people demanded the pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs and in yet another survey 68% showed high concern for the delay in implementation of the law. Hence I believe that the pictorial warnings initiative will greatly complement the mission of creating a tobacco-free environment. Also 92% respondents all over India and 96% in Mumbai strongly favoured regulations for making all workplaces and public places in India smoke-free."

When most producers and directors tend to glamorize the act of smoking and some of them defend it as creative freedom, Ghajini has a scene scene showing smoking ban in public places. Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health sent a letter of appreciation to Aamir Khan Productions Pvt Ltd applauding him for the scene in his latest blockbuster hit

... contd.