BENGALURU: Consortium for Tobacco-Free Karnataka along with three other organisations, on Wednesday, demanded that the state government formulate a policy for issuing a separate vendor licence for tobacco sale. According to health experts, tobacco is the gateway to drugs and sale of tobacco is rampant near educational institutions. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Indian Dental Association, Associated of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka and Association of Healthcare Providers India have written to the state government demanding a separate trade licence for sale of tobacco as it is the only way to safeguard children, experts feel.
States like Rajasthan, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh have already implemented this. The earlier a person uses tobacco, the more likely they are to experiment with cocaine, heroin or other illicit drugs, members of healthcare associations opined.Shashi Kumar D, General Secretary, Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka, said, “Supply, sale and consumption of illegal drugs are increasing day by day in the state. Easy accessibility and availability of tobacco products near educational institutions are the main reasons behind increasing addiction and consumption level among youth.”
Cardiologist Dr Vijaya Lakshmi Balekundri said, “Initiation of tobacco usage at early ages paves way for experimentation with drugs. The state government has already banned sale of loose beedi and cigarettes, but it is not being implemented.”Dr Uma Sheshagiri, member, IMA, said, “Nicotine and other poisonous chemicals present in tobacco enslave people for addiction. Tobacco products are seen and sold uncontrolled, in and around, bus stands, restaurants, petty shops with other daily use products like groceries, chocolates etc., which misleads youth.”
IMA has already written a letter to the Chief Minister in this regard demanding a separate trade license which ensures that the youth are not misled.SJ Chander, Convener, Consortium for Tobacco-Free Karnataka, said, “Several states have already shown their commitment towards public health by implementing and mandating separate vendor licence for sale of tobacco. Karnataka should at least now understand the importance of this policy.”