Health Ministry circulates cabinet note to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco

“The Health Ministry had circulated a draft cabinet note for approval of signing of the protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products developed under Article 15 of World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention of Tobacco Control.

“However, based on the suggestion of the department of revenue, an IMG consisting of officers from department of revenue, finance and health was set up to look into the domestic legislations, do a gap analysis and recommend measures to promote ratification of the protocol by India. The IMG has not yet submitted its report,” she said.

She said the Health Ministry hosted the 7th session of the Conference of Parties (CoP7) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control from November 7-12 at Greater Noida.

She said that as per a report on tobacco control in India published in 2004, about 8-9 lakh Indians die of tobacco-related diseases every year.