Drastic decline in smoking in state

Drastic decline in smoking in state
Preetu Nair | TNN

Panaji: Beedi smoking is down by more than 50% in the state, reveals a new report published by the Union ministry of health and family welfare.
The report ‘Beedi smoking and public health’, prepared in March 2008 reveals that the consumption of beedis in rural Goa has come down from 34.84% in 1993-94 to 16.55% in 1999-2000, while consumption of cigarettes has dipped from 4.54% to 3.78% during the same period. In urban Goa cigarette consumption has fallen from 4.21% to 1.78% and beedi consumption has reduced from 31.01% to 14.14%.
The report arrives at its conclusions by comparing the National Sample Survey data from 1993-94 to 1999-2000. It focuses on multiple harm caused by beedis and reducing beedi consumption. Besides, the report attempts to develop effective strategies to expand the focus of tobacco control programmes to all types of tobacco use.
Doctors agree that tobacco consumption has declined in the state. “The Goan literate population is aware that smoking can lead to cancer, lung and heart diseases,” said Dr Wiseman Pinto, head, department of pathology, GMC.
But there are those who believe that smoking can be reduced even more. “If the government acts a little tougher, Goa could well become the first state to be completely tobacco free,” said Dr Shekhar Salkar of the National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication, an NGO.

July 1, The Times of India, Goa edition