Smoking continues to exact a devastating toll on India, claiming an estimated 1.35 million lives annually, according to recent health data. Despite decades of anti-tobacco campaigns, experts say quit rates remain stubbornly low, with only a fraction of smokers managing to stop without assistance.
A Persistent Public Health Crisis
The numbers highlight the scale of India’s tobacco epidemic. Beyond the human cost, the economic burden is staggering: more than ₹1.77 lakh crore is spent each year treating illnesses linked to smoking, from lung cancer and cardiovascular disease to chronic respiratory disorders.
Debate Over Solutions
Faced with this reality, pulmonologists and public health advocates are urging policymakers to consider a broader toolkit. Some argue that smoke-free nicotine alternatives, while not risk-free, could reduce harm by eliminating combustion and tar, the primary drivers of smoking-related disease. Advocates say these products may help India achieve its goal of cutting tobacco use by 30 percent by 2025, in line with World Health Organization targets.
A Crossroads for Policy
Critics caution against overreliance on alternatives, warning of new risks, especially among youth. But with traditional cessation methods showing limited success, many experts argue that India cannot afford to dismiss science-backed harm reduction. The debate now centers on whether the country can balance prevention, regulation, and innovation to stem a crisis that continues to grow.
