Tobacco lobby trying to get me sacked: Dr Ramadoss

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss has claimed in an interview to The Indian Express that the tobacco industry wa...

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss has claimed in an interview to The Indian Express that the tobacco industry was trying to remove him from the ministry ever since he banned smoking scenes in films and television serials.

‘‘I am more concerned about the health of millions of youth in this country than the growth of the tobacco industry,’’ he said. ‘‘I am conscious of the threat I face from the tobacco industry but I am ready to face the challenges undaunted, come what may.’’

The minister said if he had the powers, he would order a total ban on production and manufacture of tobacco products to preserve the health of the country. ‘‘Unfortunately, I don’t have that power. But I am confident that the day is not far off when such a thing will become a reality and my dream will come true.’’

Justifying the ban, the minister claimed that nearly 52 per cent of the youth get hooked to smoking after watching it on screen. He said though direct advertising of cigarettes had an impact on the youth, when compared to the visual impact through films it was considerably less. ‘‘That is why this government imposed the ban.’’

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