Karnataka Imposes Statewide Ban on Hookah to Combat Tobacco-Related Illnesses

In a significant move to curb tobacco-related diseases, Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced a comprehensive ban on the use and sale of both tobacco and non-tobacco Hookah in public establishments across the state. This decision, effective immediately, applies to hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges, cafes, clubs, and other such venues. The ban also targets the illegal operation of numerous Hookah bars situated near educational institutions, aiming to protect young people from the harms of tobacco.

The state health department’s initiative is supported by alarming statistics from the WHO Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2016-17 (GATS-2), revealing that 22.8% of adults in Karnataka use tobacco, with 8.8% being smokers. Furthermore, 23.9% of adults are exposed to second-hand smoke in public places, underscoring the widespread risk of tobacco consumption. The ban is part of a broader effort to mitigate the health risks associated with Hookah smoking, including increased dangers of cancers, heart disease, and lung diseases from inhaling smoke laden with toxic agents.

The economic impact of tobacco on the state’s healthcare system is also significant, with tobacco-related illnesses among individuals aged 35-69 costing Karnataka ₹983 crores in 2011. By instituting this ban, the Karnataka government reaffirms its commitment to promoting public health and eliminating health hazards for its citizens. The move is expected to make significant strides in reducing tobacco use and exposure among the population, especially the youth.

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