Effective implementation of Article 5.3 of the WHO framework convention on tobacco control to curb tobacco industry interference

• Published in: Tobacco induced diseases Vol. 16; no. 1
• Main Authors: Gupta, Rakesh, Bhawra, Anjali, Roojam, Varun, Bhalla, Rajiv
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heraklion European Publishing 01.03.2018
• Subjects: Cigarettes; Health policy; Interference; Leadership; Nicotine; Public health; Smoking; Tactics; Tobacco; Tobacco industry; WCTOH
• DOI: 10.18332/tid/83773
• ISSN: 1617-9625

Background and challenges to implementation: The tobacco industry has historically employed a multitude of tactics to shape and influence tobacco control policy. In Punjab, Officials at various levels have been approached by representatives of Tobacco Industry for easing implementation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 and withdrawing certain notifications to tackle Tobacco/Nicotine menace. Industry has used its economic power, lobbying and marketing machinery, and manipulation of the media to discredit scientific research and influence governments in order to propagate the sale and distribution of its deadly product.It goes to the credit of political leadership and bureaucracy that most of their attempts have been foiled. The objective of the study was to assess effective implementation of Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Intervention or response: The present study was conducted in the period of August 2015 to May 2017 in Punjab. An Empowered Committee was constituted to implement WHO Article 5.3 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) vides notification no. 539949/3 dated 17/7/15. A protocol was made that has to be followed while dealing with Tobacco Industry. Regular Meetings of Empowered Committee were conducted for effective implementation. Results and lessons learnt: In Punjab, Officials at various levels have been approached by representatives of Tobacco Industry. After the formation of the empowered Committee, no one from the Tobacco industry contacted the department for any kind of partnerships/ events that are directly or indirectly related to tobacco control. Conclusions and key recommendations: As the strategies and tactics used by the tobacco industry evolve constantly these guidelines should be reviewed and revised periodically to ensure that they continue to provide effective guidance to the parties on protecting their public health policies on tobacco control from tobacco industry interference.