Significantly, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that tobacco taxes have the potential to reduce tobacco use, save lives and generate revenues, they said.
Dr Tiny Nair, Chief Consultant Cardiologist, PRS Hospital here, said, "Scientific studies have shown that beedi smokers are at a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases, besides cancers in various parts of the body."
By taxing beedi at the same rate as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, the government has ensured that millions of beedi users will quit, and millions of youth will be prevented from initiating tobacco usage, he said.
Dr Thomas Varughese, noted oncologist and president, Kerala Cancer Care Society, Kochi, said bringing beedis in the highest tax slab would help prevent millions of premature deaths, especially among the weaker sections of the society.
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Dr AS Pradeep Kumar, Senior Research Officer, Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies here, made a strong case for governmental intervention to address the plight of beedi workers, especially those in the unorganised sector.
"The occupational diseases among beedi workers, such as respiratory problems, tuberculosis, lung cancers and asthma owing to their extended exposure to tobacco, are well documented," he said.
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