For Appointment

Release Of ‘Health Cost Study – A.P

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Over 100 studies clearly demonstrate that significant increases in tobacco taxes reduce consumption. The thumb-rule evolved from studies in several countries is: TRIPLE THE TAXES, DOUBLE THE REVENUE, HALVE THE CONSUMPTION.

CURE Foundation and APVHA-VHAI in collaboration with Dept. of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of AP with the support of WHO conducted a programme to release the ‘Health Cost Study- AP’, which detailed the economic burden on the state due to tobacco related diseases. Held at Hotel Haritha Plaza, on 19th July 2014, the event was inaugurated by Dr. Kamineni Srinivas, Minister of Medical & Health, AP.

According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2010), 27.5 crore people in India consume tobacco in some or the other form. Shockingly, 10 million children under the age of 15 are addicted to tobacco. In India, every year 10 lac people in India die early due to tobacco-related diseases.

Speaking on the subject, Dr Vijayanand Reddy, Director of Apollo Cancer Hospital said, “The new study results are shocking. Youngsters are most affected and if taxes are increased to 70%, it will discourage them from purchasing tobacco leading to a drop in usage. Therefore, taxes must be increased on all forms of tobacco.”

Other dignitaries in attendance were Anil Chandra Punetha, IAS, Principal Secretary to Govt, Agriculture Dept & Incharge Commissioner – Commercial Tax Dept, Dr. P. V.Ramesh, IAS, Principal Secretary to Govt, Dept of Finance and Sri L V Subramanyam, I AS., Principal Secretary to Govt, Medical Health and Family Welfare Dept.