India will strongly oppose marketing of e-cigarettes, projected as harmless alternative to smoking, at an international forum in Spain as part of its bid to meet the challenge of eliminating tuberculosis, whose prevalence is highest in the country.
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who left for Spain today, will deliver the keynote address at the World Health Organisation's symposium on TB where he will advocate the importance of community driven solutions to the disease, which affects 230 persons per 1 lakh population in India, the highest in the world.
The symposia agenda is expected to include "The impact of cigarette tax increases on tobacco consumption in India" as the government has imposed the highest tax hikes on tobacco products earlier this year.
During his visit, Vardhan is also looking forward to sign a memorandum of understanding with Spain on sharing of knowledge on organ donation, according to an official statement.
As Spain has the highest rate of organ donation, discussions on a "possible Memorandum of Understanding on sharing of knowledge" on the subject with that country are also on the cards, the statement said.
"Another significant aspect of the tour is Vardhan using the forum to unambiguously state India's opposition to e-cigarette marketing and consumption as research has shown that it eventually leads to more people surrendering to tobacco," it said.
"I look forward to this visit because I have already geared up the Health Ministry to accept the challenge of eliminating the TB scourge and meeting the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) by 2015," Vardhan said before leaving.
During his four-day stay, Vardhan will address delegates at the 45th World Conference on lung health.
The WHO meeting is expected to attract about 3,000 delegates from more than 125 countries.
India reports .
Vardhan will also meet South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaled besides co-chairing a high-level meeting of the BRICS forum with him.
He will also hold a meeting with his Spanish counterpart Ana Mato.
