Contending that use of alcohol constitutes one of the major causes for chronic diseases, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss today pressed for a National Alcohol Policy to curb consumption of liquor.
Replying to questions in the Lok Sabha, he said more youngsters are taking to alcohol as is reflected by a survey which showed that the average age of liquor consumption has come down to 13.5 years from 28 years a few years ago.
“The four major risk factors which are directly or indirectly associated with the causation of chronic non-communicable diseases are — tobacco use, alcohol use, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet,” Ramadoss said.
He said chronic diseases account for 55 per cent of deaths in the country and in the next 40-50 years, Indians are expected to suffer more problems like cardiac ailments and diabetes. “We need the National Alcohol Policy,” Ramadoss said.
He sought the support of MPs in this endeavour. As he pressed the need for curbing liquor consumption, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said “You are extending your jurisdiction... see how many tobacco and alcohol manufacturers are there in your constituency.”
Ramadoss' anti-smoking campaign had faced stiff resistance from the tobacco lobby. Ramadoss regretted that except Jammu & Kashmir and Gujarat, no other state has prohibition rules in place.
“A lot of noise has been made and a lot needs to be done,” he said, as he spoke about various initiatives by the government to create awareness about ill-effects of consumption of alcohol along with tobacco and unhealthy food.
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Citing a survey, the health minister said up to 15 per cent of youth in the age group of 13 to 15 years are using tobacco and its byproducts. To another question, he said from March 19, it will be mandatory for all food packets to carry details of the contents. On upgradation of healthcare facilities, Ramadoss said Rs 1,350 crore have been earmarked for this purpose in the Eleventh Plan. This will include upgradation of facilities at hospitals, more post-graduate doctors, setting up six more All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and upgradation of five existing hospitals.
Special fund for cancer awareness, detection and treatment has also been increased substantially from Rs 280 crore in Tenth Plan to Rs 2004 crore in the Eleventh Plan.
In the category of health minister's Cancer Relief Fund, Rs 100 crore have been earmarked for below poverty line patients, Ramadoss said and urged the MPs to contribute to this fund.
He also talked about various insurance schemes, including those for people in unorganised sector.