Karnataka Bans Hookah Across State To Fight Tobacco-Related Diseases

Karnataka’s Health Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, announced a major step on Wednesday: a complete ban on Hookah in the state. 

This ban includes both tobacco and non-tobacco types and applies to all public places like hotels, restaurants, and bars. 

The decision aims to fight tobacco-related diseases and also to stop the illegal Hookah bars near educational institutions.

The government’s action is based on concerning data from the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the WHO Global Adult Tobacco Survey from 2016-17, about 22.8% of adults in Karnataka use tobacco, and 8.8% are smokers. 

Another worrying fact is that almost 24% of adults are exposed to second-hand smoke in public areas. This shows how widespread the issue of tobacco use is in Karnataka.

The WHO Global Youth Tobacco Survey from 2019 also revealed that nearly 20% of students aged 13 to 15 have tried tobacco in some form. 

The government highlighted the dangers of smoking Hookah, including increased risks of cancer, heart, and lung diseases. 

They also mentioned the huge economic cost of tobacco-related illnesses, which was ₹983 crores for people aged 35-69 in 2011.

Also Read: Indian Beaches Witness 200% Surge In Popularity Amidst Global Interest

The ban is immediate and affects the sale and use of Hookah in various establishments. It also covers the sale of Hookah ingredients, advertising, and the business of Hookah. 

The Health Minister emphasized that using Hookah is risky as it is often shared by many people, increasing the chances of spreading diseases like herpes and hepatitis. He compared a 30-45 minute Hookah session to smoking 20-40 cigarettes.

This move is part of the Karnataka government’s broader health efforts. Recently, the Health Minister inaugurated a new cancer care center and deluxe rooms at Kasturba Medical College Hospital. They also plan to make MRI and CT scans free statewide. In a related action, raids were conducted in Gurugram, Haryana, where police seized Hookahs and intoxicants from two outlets for illegally serving nicotine.