Bhubaneswar, May 31: On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Odisha’s Health Department has issued a strict warning to tobacco companies, condemning their misleading advertisements and unethical strategies that lure people into tobacco consumption.

The government has pledged to take strong action against companies that promote tobacco use, pushing individuals toward serious health risks.

The Health, Mass Education, Higher Education, and Excise Departments will work together to enforce stricter regulations, ensuring that no company can exploit legal loopholes to bypass tobacco control laws. The government also plans to raise awareness through public campaigns, educating citizens about the dangers of tobacco consumption.

According to the NFHS-5 report, tobacco use among men in Odisha has declined from 55.9% (NFHS-4) to 51.6%, while women’s tobacco consumption has alarmingly increased from 17.3% to 26%. This rise in tobacco use among women poses serious health risks, including maternal complications and low birth weight in newborns.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strictly enforcing the COTPA law, ensuring that tobacco-related violations are severely penalized. Officials have emphasized that public health must take precedence over corporate profits, and tobacco companies engaging in deceptive marketing will face legal consequences.

As part of the anti-tobacco initiative, Odisha has declared 108 villages tobacco-free, reinforcing its mission to create a healthier society. The government urges citizens to stay away from tobacco and support efforts to eliminate its use.

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