With globalisation affecting every sphere of life, the younger generation seems to be in the firm grip of deadly vices like smoking, tobacco consumption and the consumption of alcohol ( >Editorial, April 16 ). The government appears to be turning a blind eye to the health impact of all this. What India needs is a sustained campaign that ensures moderation. Are we ready?
Abdul Mobeen,
Aligarh
The statistics presented in the article are alarming with respect to the fact that tobacco companies have been singularly responsible for 40 per cent of cancer cases. The ban on public smoking is hardly enforced nowadays.
Thirumalai Muthu Palani,
Chennai
The question one must pose to the government is whether it is doing enough in terms of prevention campaigns. The most vulnerable section of society in terms of being affected by cancer is the poor. Why do governments think about high revenue generation by compromising the lives of lakhs of poor people?
Vinayak Pawar,
New Delhi
I am a volunteer at the Cancer Institute in Chennai and my heart bleeds at the sight of patients with the disease in different forms. Most victims are poor workers (both men and women) who find an easy and cheap stimulants in tobacco, to keep them active during the day. I think we could promote other harmless spices such as cardamom, which may not have side-effects when used as stimulants. I would also like to highlight a problem faced by cancer patients. They are entitled to 75 per cent concession in train/bus journeys to and from their place to Chennai when they come for treatment. This is made available to the patient and an attendant. From patient feedback, it is learnt that while there is no problem with the railways, some of the bus conductors do not seem to be extending the facility to them as set down in a government order.
D.N.T. Rajan,
Chennai
