BENGALURU: Children and young adults are most vulnerable to tobacco addiction because of its unregulated glamourisation on OTT platforms without any health warnings, said experts.
Dr Shalini Thakur, surgical oncologist, HCG Hospital, said the burden from tobacco-related health issues are rising exponentially, which if not controlled will lead to a situation where one in every three persons in the country will suffer from non-communicable diseases, like cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and stroke.
In a panel discussion on the role of media in protecting children and youth from tobacco, drugs and other addictions, organised by the Karnataka NO for Tobacco union on Friday, doctors highlighted that the mortality burden due to tobacco usage stands at 13 lakh annually in India.
A panellist highlighted that the government needs to introduce measures to regulate OTT platforms. Additionally, places like hookah bars are largely trending among youth, where they are exposed to smoking and other tobacco products without realising its adverse effect on health.
The experts demanded strengthening of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act, increase in GST on tobacco products, ban on hookah bars, and regulating OTT platforms to prevent consumption and promote awareness.