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India ranked 3rd in pictorial warnings on tobacco products

India has moved to 3rd rank globally among 205 countries with 85 per cent implementation of pictorial warnings on tobacco…

India ranked 3rd in pictorial warnings on tobacco products

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India has moved to 3rd rank globally among 205 countries with 85 per cent implementation of pictorial warnings on tobacco products packs. 

This is a dramatic leap from the 136th position India held in 2014 and the 123rd in 2012, revealed an International Status Report at the ongoing WHO FCTC COP7 here. 

The top two countries are Nepal and Vanuatu. 

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Nepal has implemented 90 per cent of pictorial warnings. Vanuatu was ranked second on the strength of its promise to implement the warning from 2017. 

The Cigarette Package Health Warnings International Status Report was released on the fourth day of the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) Conference of the Parties (COP 7) by the Canadian Cancer Society. 

It ranks 205 countries and territories on the size of their health warnings on cigarette packages and lists countries and territories that require graphic picture warnings. 

“Nepal has the largest warnings in the world with (pictures) covering 90 per cent of the package front and back. Vanuatu will also require 90 per cent picture warnings in 2017.  

“India and Thailand have the next largest warnings at 85 per cent of the front and back,” said the report.

“India has demonstrated global leadership by implementing 85 per cent pictorial warnings on all tobacco packages. This accomplishment is praiseworthy, as it has been achieved despite fierce opposition from the tobacco industry.  “India will serve as a very positive model for other countries, thus benefitting public health worldwide,” said Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, Canadian Cancer Society, while releasing the report.

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