In India, the state and central government are trying hard to give free healthcare under various well-intentioned schemes. I admire the thought which goes behind giving access to good quality healthcare to all . But the intrinsic problem of utopic thinking is simple.It does not exist.
Imagine this scenario.
Daily wage earner. Spends most of his income on chewable tobacco products and alcohol. Comes to the hospital with an extensive mouth ulcer. Diagnosis is a squamous cell carcinoma.He undergoes treatment aimed to help him. The disease is extensive and he undergoes surgery and radiotherapy. All this is free at all Government hospital. But some treatment may not be available in a Government set up. The patient meanwhile continues spending his money on his tobacco and other addictions.
Nothing will work.
Do we blame the medicines, fate, system or the individual?
I have seen tracheostomized patients inhale tobacco smoke through their tracheostomy tubes. If we want a healthy population, then freedom to live and die with dignity is important. What is equally important is making a choice to live healthily and take responsibility for own activities. The government can help. Society can support. Living healthy is your choice. Say no to tobacco today. None of the forms of tobacco is compatible with a healthy life.
Effect of Tobacco on the ENT and Head-neck region:
- Dries up nasal mucosa.
- Aggravates allergic symptoms.
- Can predispose to Otitis media with effusion.(Direct association with alteration of mucosa)
- Can have decreased smell sensation.
- Oral mucositis, glossitis.
- Recurrent pharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis.
- Submucosal fibrosis in case of chewable tobacco.
- High risk for head neck malignancy.
- The poor response following Radiotherapy in smokers and those who continue to smoke.
- Passive smoking is injurious to health.
Tobacco can kill. The younger the age of addiction the stronger is the effect on cells. The longer the duration of tobacco, worse is the result. Children of smokers are more likely to take up smoking and other substance abuse.But you still have time.
The shocking problem is that even with graphic images of cancer on tobacco packs worldwide,people continue to buy and sell tobacco. While life and death are in God’s hand, there really is no harm in trying to live a little better.
- If they are selling: Its wrong and you can blame them.
- If you are buying its wrong and you can blame yourself.
If your newborn child is inhaling cigarette smoke, whose fault is it? If you decide to spend your extra earnings on tobacco and the blame your luck for ill health, who are you fooling? When will you take responsibility for your own actions?
What the Government can do to de-addict the smoker:
- Remove subsidies and tax benefits if you smoke or use tobacco in any form.
- Stricter rules for smoking in public places.
- Make Corporates take part in anti-tobacco drives in schools and colleges.
- Have special benefits for people who don’t use tobacco.
- The higher tax on tobacco products reach Government and they, in turn, spend it on Free healthcare to battle the diseases caused by it, can you take a call on this? Will India stop selling poison with the label of free will?The money is helping no one.The product is harming everyone.Take a stand .There really are no positives when it comes to tobacco.
Cancer is a serious health hazard. It’s time we took a harder look at all preventive measures. India is a growing country with a young population. But we need this human resource to be healthy for their own good and for the benefit of the country. Are you hearing Universe?
Writing this as a part of the #BlogtoPM initiative.
I think as far as the imagery on the packaging is concerned, it’s not very representative. I mean people hardly pay attention. Thanks for a widely informative article.
Surbhi #surreads
Despite all these information available out there, smokers will continue smoking spreading secondhand smoking as well. Public cigarette smoking was banned in Kerala when I was there and that turned out to be a good effort. I don’t know how it is there now. There has to be more effective measures taken to control secondhand smoking.
This is a much needed post, Amrita.
There are some essential pointers you’ve made. It’s sad that despite NO-SMOKING warning labels put up around tea shops, you get to breathe in cigarette from at least 10 metres away. The price hikes are so miniscule that even a poor working class guy can afford it.
Once addicted, even graphic warnings are numbed to. All the more, ads featuring Gutkha/Pan Masala have continued to look ‘cooler’ like in every decade.
i appreciate this articles , keep writing
Smoking is certainly an unhealthy habit and, yes, the health care costs for a stubborn, sick smoker can be high. But I believe that the majority of the people will not abuse freely available health care. It is better than the alternative, which exists in the United States. People go bankrupt here because they become seriously ill. This is not an example to imitate! Utopian is always better than dystopian (aka the United States).
Wow, super powerful post. I like how you use bullet points to drive home the necessary facts!
Tobacco use (at least cigarettes) is already severely limited in the United States. Where I live, you can not smoke in most public places, including parks, restaurants, and bars. Smoking in offices has been banned for years. Cigarette smoking killed my mother and the toll from tobacco use is incredible. As you are probably aware, there is no such thing as “free” health care in our country – but for those who are poor, there are all kinds of government subsidies and programs. Some employers charge more for health insurance if you smoke, but I don’t think there are too many rewards for not smoking out there. As someone who has never smoked or used tobacco in any form, I agree with you that such would be a good idea. The state where I live (New York State) does have programs with subsidies for quit smoking materials. Supposedly smoking is at an all time low but I still see enough teens and adults smoking. It’s sad. Beyond sad.
I agree — smoking tobacco is a terrible, nasty habit. I’m a non-smoker, but am exposed to second-hand smoke. My cardiologist – and every other doctor on the planet – says that second-hand smoke is just as dangerous. But, tell that to the smoker. They will deny it till they die…and they’ll die sooner than later.
In the USA we have TV ads with ex-smokers wearing oxygen masks, faces half gone, and breathing tubes in their throats, in hopes of scaring smokers to stop smoking. Honestly, I don’t think it’s helping. Prices of cigarette go up as do the taxes on them – but smokers can’t live without their cancer sticks.
Not sure what the answer is. All I know is that it’s a disgusting habit – and kills so many.