The Times Now Doctors Day Conclave convened esteemed medical professionals to commemorate their contributions and address critical health issues gripping India. Central to discussions was the persistent challenge of tobacco use, despite stringent national control measures.Experts at the Conclave voiced concern over the inadequacy of current policies in curbing tobacco consumption, which continues to impose a significant burden on public health and the economy. Dr. Mohsin Wali, Senior Consultant in Oncology at Sir Gangaram Hospital, emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in tackling addiction-driven non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly among the younger population.
Yugal Sikri, Vice Chairperson & Managing Director of RPG Life Sciences, highlighted the alarming rise in NCD-related deaths linked to addiction, prompting a critical examination of nicotine and its delivery systems’ impact.Dr. Rohan Savio Sequeira, a prominent Cardio-Metabolic Physician, advocated for the implementation of ‘risk-grading’ measures for tobacco products, proposing a system that categorizes products based on their potential harm. This approach aims to revolutionize tobacco control strategies by providing clearer insights into the risks associated with different products.
The Conclave stressed the importance of enhanced awareness and education initiatives. Atish Majumdar, Senior President of Mankind Pharma, underscored the need for precise addiction definitions and health-risk labeling to effectively combat NCDs.In Imphal, where tobacco consumption remains prevalent, the call for nuanced tobacco control strategies is particularly relevant. Market dynamics reflect both the challenges posed by traditional tobacco products and the opportunities for harm reduction through targeted policy interventions.
