People want more smoke free zones, report says

Mumbai, Sep 18 (UNI) An overwhelming majority of Indians are strongly in favour of implementing more smoke free zones in the country and consider second-hand smoke as a serious health threat, according to a survey commissioned by the Healis-Seksaria Institute for public health, Navi Mumbai.

Talking to reporters, Director Healis, Dr P C Gupta, said the evidence in support of smoke-free policies is growing and results of the recent survey demonstrates that there is near universal support for the new regulations that will prohibit smoking inside all public places and workplaces in the country.

''These tobacco control policies will not only save non smokers from the danger of second hand smoke but also encourage smokers to reduce the addiction''.

India, home to nearly 12 crore smokers, will face strict enforcement that will bar smoking at all work-places and public places from October 2, as per the notification issued by the union Health Ministry.

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