Health activists welcome gutka ban

‘Don't politicise ban’:Pragati Hebbar, advocacy officer, Institute of Public Health; Prathima Murthy, professor of Psychiatry and head of the De-addiction Centre, Nimhans; and Upendra Bhojani, public health expert; at a press conference in Bangalore on Friday

Do not politicise issue, they say 

Even as the Opposition tried to pressure the government to lift the ban on gutka, a group of public health activists have urged political party representatives not politicise the issue.

Upendra Bhojani, public health expert, told reporters here on Friday that leaders were making exaggerated claims about the threat of the livelihood of arecanut farmers. Referring to the report by University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, on ‘Special scheme on cost of cultivation of arecanut in Karnataka’, he said that arecanut farmers’ share in consumer rupee (how much they earn) for value-added products was only nine to 20 per cent, which is far lower than it is for other crops.

“Although it is too early, we can see that the arecanut prices have not crashed post the ban. Moreover, the government has promised to protect the interests of arecanut farmers.”

Mr. Bhojani reiterated that the ban on sale of gutka was a welcome move and not a hasty decision. “Twenty-five States and five Union Territories have already banned gutka. Other States are also expected to ban it as per the Supreme Court directive.”

Getting to the root

Explaining that gutka consumption was influenced by a variety of factors, Prathima Murthy, professor of Psychiatry and head of the De-addiction Centre at Nimhans, said several people consume gutka to reduce hunger and stress. “Addressing the root cause such as stress, will go a long way in reducing consumption of gutka,” she said.

Dr. Murthy added there is a tremendous opportunity for users to give up gutka in the wake of the ban, as it would not be easily accessible. “Several patients have come to our de-addiction centre and told us they would consider quitting as gutka is not as accessible as before.”

Withdrawal symptoms

However, she added there was a need for patients to deal with withdrawal symptoms. “People will start experiencing symptoms such as restlessness, loss of attention and cravings. These symptoms are likely to last anywhere between a week and a few months.”

Citing a case study, Dr. Murthy said a nine-year-old, who used to chew tobacco, was referred to her. The boy used to suffer from impulsivity and had difficulties in school.

Asked if people were likely to shift from gutka to other forms of tobacco such as cigarettes, Mr. Bhojani said, “The switch from gutka to cigarettes is relatively less, as not many can afford cigarettes. However, the government can play a proactive role and increase the taxation on tobacco-related products. This will go a long way in reducing consumption of tobacco products.”