New pictorial health warnings on tobacco products welcomed

Guwahati: A major non-profit organisation working in Assam today welcomed the Central government's announcement regarding new pictorial health warnings for tobacco products.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on October 15 issued a notification saying that tobacco manufacturing companies to devote at least 85 per cent of the surface areas of all tobacco products on both sides to graphically and literally represent the statutory warning.

"We extend our heartiest congratulations to Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan for taking this landmark decision, which will go a long way in saving millions of lives," Voluntary Health Association of Assam (VHAA), executive secretary Ruchira Neog said in a release.

As per the notification issued by the ministry, beginning April 1 next, every tobacco product will carry on both sides pictorial depiction of throat cancer and a message in English, Hindi or any Indian language which is indeed a welcome step, she said.