Enforce laws against tobacco strictly: PMK

In a statement issued here on Monday on the eve of Tobacco Eradication Day observed by the WHO on May 31, the PMK scioin said that nearly 12 lakh lose their lives per year due to tobacco use. At the global level, the killer leaves claim nearly 60 lakh lives annually. 

“During my tenure as Union Health Minister, the country became a guiding force in the campaign to eradicate tobacco across the world. A few steps initiated like big pictorial warnings on cigarette packets initiated during my period are still continuing. However, the Tamil Nadu government should continue the drive in a large scale,” he urged. 

Cigarette smoking in public places like shops, hotels, etc., were banned from October 2, 2008. Sale of tobacco products to children was also prohibited. However, at present this ban was not being enforced in full spirit. Though a ban was clamped on cigarette advertisements, still they were being found in all commercial establishments, the former health minister regretted. 

The State government should urge the Centre to pass COPTA amendment bill 2015, he said.