Pan Masala Plus Tobacco is Equal to Gutka Square - New Formulation of Tobacco in India after the Gutka Ban

Abstract

Tobacco is a well known cause of death worldwide. With existing comprehensive laws and various othermeasures for tobacco control, the mortality and morbidity due to tobacco usage have unfortunately not beenreduced. A large number of tobacco users have altered their pattern of tobacco use after the gutka ban. Traditionalgutka is sold in the open market in a pre-mixed format. Manufacturers are supplying pan masala and tobaccoin separate pouches as there is no restriction for sale of pan masala and tobacco individually in many states.Although most of the population is aware of the health hazards of tobacco, it is necessary to develop an effectivestructured strategy. Tobacco control programs need to be strengthened by separate tobacco control measuresat various levels.