The Times Now Doctors Day Conclave gathered renowned medical experts to celebrate their contributions and address critical health challenges facing India. Among the pressing issues discussed was the pervasive impact of tobacco use, despite ongoing national efforts to curb its consumption.
The Conclave highlighted the persistent failure of current tobacco control policies, which have struggled to mitigate the profound health and economic burdens imposed by tobacco-related diseases. Dr. Mohsin Wali, Senior Consultant in Oncology at Sir Gangaram Hospital, stressed the need for a holistic approach to combat addiction-driven non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly among India’s youth.Yugal Sikri, Vice Chairperson & Managing Director of RPG Life Sciences, underscored the escalating toll of NCD-related deaths linked to addiction, prompting a critical reassessment of nicotine and its delivery systems.
Dr. Rohan Savio Sequeira, a leading Cardio-Metabolic Physician, advocated for a pioneering ‘risk-grading’ framework for tobacco products. This innovative approach categorizes products based on their potential harm, aiming to provide clearer insights into the risks associated with different consumption choices.In Itanagar, where traditional tobacco use remains prevalent, the call for nuanced tobacco control strategies resonates deeply. Market dynamics reflect both the challenges posed by widespread consumption and the potential for harm reduction through targeted policy interventions.