'Diseases from tobacco use in Ind taking heavy economic toll'

The cost incurred for treating diseases caused by tobacco use was an estimated Rs 16,800 crore in 2011, but if one were to take into account the associated indirect morbidity and premature mortality due to it, it touches a staggering Rs 1.04 lakh crore, a report said today.
The report, 'Economic Burden of Tobacco Related Diseases in India', which was released today by Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, highlights the huge economic and productivity loss caused by tobacco use.
According to the report, while the expenditure on associated indirect morbidity stood at Rs 14,700 crore, the notional loss caused by premature mortality through diseases due to tobacco use was a massive Rs 73,000 crore.

"The total economic costs attributable to tobacco use from all diseases in India in 2011 was a staggering Rs 1,04,500 crore," health ministry said in a statement based on the report.
The figure of 1.04 crore is more than the combined expenditure incurred in 2011 by the Central and state governments on healthcare, it said.
"Looking at the loss through GDP lens, it was 1.16 per cent of GDP and 12 per cent more than the combined state and Central government expenditure on healthcare in 2011. Tobacco use and the associated costs are creating an enormous burden for the nation," it said.

Health ministry and the WHO Country Office for India supported the report, which was developed by the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and released ahead of World Anti- Tobacco Day on May 31.

The report estimates direct and indirect costs from all diseases caused due to tobacco use and four specific ones; respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
Vardhan termed tobacco consumption a menace and said a strong social movement is needed to address and tackle its growing use in India.
"This needs a redefining of the strategy, which will require engagement of all sections of people. We need to convince tobacco users of its grave ill-effects," he said.

Children can become the strongest messengers of positive health, including for spreading awareness against tobacco use, Vardhan said, adding that it is them who can convince, motivate and educate elders to give up use of tobacco and tobacco products.
Vardhan also unveiled a print advertisement featuring former cricket star Rahul Dravid, the brand ambassador for tobacco control.