Health Ministry to introduce new health warning on tobacco and cigarettes packs

Health Ministry confirms that tobacco and cigarettes packs will have a new ‘health warning’ cover from December 1.

New pictures and warnings will be printed on the packets of all tobacco products in accordance with the newly modified Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules, 2008.

‘Tobacco causes painful deat’ will be used with picture one on one side of the pack, while tobacco users die young will be displayed with image 2 on the opposite side of the packet, according to the ministry. The second set of warning statements and images will be used on both sides of the pack.

The Quit Today Call Today (1800-11-2356) toll-free line will also be printed on the packets, with a white font and a black backdrop.

“It’s a proven fact that the lives of tobacco users are shortened by up to 10 years, as compared to non-tobacco users. When the existing warning Tobacco causes painful death was introduced, I suggested adding the word ‘early’ before ‘painful’ to make the warning more impactful. The warnings play a significant role in helping tobacco users quit the habit, as per the latest GATS 2 report of 2016-17,” said Dr S.K. Arora, medical superintendent of the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital and renowned tobacco control expert.