Save lives from poisonous tobacco
The silent killer is among us, lurking in plain sight – tobacco. Every day, around 450 lives are snuffed out due to the consumption of tobacco products.
It is high time for the government to take decisive action to amend the tobacco control act and curb this deadly menace that causes immense suffering and premature deaths in our country.
There are no two ways about it; there is absolutely no benefit to using tobacco. On the contrary, it inflicts various diseases upon its victims, contributing to the demise of approximately 1.61 lakh people annually, accounting for nearly 19 per cent of all deaths.
The numbers speak for themselves – tobacco is a public health crisis that demands urgent attention.
One of the most effective ways to curb tobacco consumption is by increasing taxes on tobacco products. If we double the current tax amount, an additional Tk 8-10 crore could be directed towards the health sector budget.
This additional funding would bolster our healthcare system, better equipping it to handle the rising burden of tobacco-related diseases. Moreover, studies have shown that higher taxes on tobacco lead to reduced consumption, saving countless lives in the process.
Experts have been vocal about the necessity to completely prevent smoking, advocating for an act to ban tobacco products altogether.
It is essential for authorities to listen to these voices and act swiftly to protect the health and well-being of the population.
It is evident that tobacco business groups prioritise their profits over the public’s health, and it is our responsibility to safeguard the greater good.
Furthermore, the impact of tobacco on medical procedures cannot be ignored. Smokers face life-threatening risks when undergoing surgeries that require anesthesia, compelling them to quit smoking for at least a week before any operation.
In cases of emergencies, this lack of choice puts their lives in peril, underscoring the urgent need to curb tobacco usage.
The government must take swift and resolute action to amend the tobacco control act to reduce the premature deaths and suffering caused by tobacco consumption.
Increasing taxes on tobacco products, banning them entirely, and strengthening enforcement of existing regulations will be crucial in the fight against this deadly epidemic.
