A Smoke-Free Generation: Anbumani Ramadoss Calls for Future Tobacco Ban

Anbumani Ramadoss, a PMK leader, urges Prime Minister Narendra Modi to introduce legislative measures to ban smoking and cigarette sales for individuals born after January 1, 2009, aiming for a smoke-free generation. Highlighting India’s high tobacco-related health burden, he underscores the urgency to protect future generations from tobacco access.

In a bold step towards public health reform, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enact a generational ban on smoking and cigarette sales for individuals born on or after January 1, 2009. This measure aims to cultivate a smoke-free generation in India.

Ramadoss, reflecting on his tenure as Union health minister under the first UPA government, emphasized the disastrous impact of tobacco on public health, with one-fifth of Indians using tobacco and the nation facing high morbidity and mortality rates related to its consumption.

He cited alarming statistics, pointing out the strong link between tobacco use and deadly diseases such as cancer and chronic respiratory conditions. With India contributing significantly to global tobacco-related deaths, Ramadoss urged for transformative legislative change akin to initiatives in the UK.