India Loves Vaping

On #COP8FCTC sidelines India's delegate Vikas Sheel (@iamvikassheel) agreed ENDS are lower-risk but "act as initiators" so we've to ban. If you know they cause less harm shouldn't you frame responsible regulation to prevent teen uptake than deny 120 million smokers safer options?

Interview of Prof David Sweanor to Dainik Bhaskar Post. youtu.be/X1-0CDed6ME

Two NGOs ask state govts to follow TN and ban e-cigs in Goa (TOI: goo.gl/nUkdVk) and Haryana (UNI: goo.gl/mX4r6i) – with same quote by two people. Who is behind this planned attack to deprive Indians of safer alternatives so cigarette business is not affected?

In Tamil Nadu tobacco use is rising, the govt needs to increase ways to quit, not limit them further. Today's TOI: goo.gl/JG8NkP

.@aalok_avasthi , a businessman from #Delhi shares how vaping changed his life and urges the #government to regulate it. #RegulateDontBan

Most use e-cigarettes because they have quit smoking and 40% are smokers who are trying to give up. bbc.co.uk/news/health-455137…

Do we have an option but to defend people's right to better health. livemint.com/Leisure/0rxeat0…

TN health minister, recently raided by CBI for taking fat bribe from gutka makers, bans e-cigarettes. Should he now be probed over bribes from cigarette lobby? ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/tam…

Today's TOI story highlights our position that denying smokers access to lower-risk alternatives pushes them to death (while protecting the tobacco industry). #TNgenocide

The TN govt order that makes unscientific and debunked claims to ban use and sale of ENDS. No consideration for 80 lakh smokers in the state who are being criminalised if they try to reduce harm to themselves. #RegulateDontBan

Our detailed response to the central government advisory on ENDS which will be directly responsible for millions of deaths in the country. @PMOIndia @JPNadda @AnupriyaSPatel @MoHFW_INDIA vapeindia.org/centraladvisor…

Most opposition is coming from docs who offer cessation services, fearing ENDS will hurt practise, cut govt/charity funds. Another business fighting tech disruption, this one with added twist of morality. Let's see it for what it is.

If you're not a common man, it's likely you are against public health. bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k383…

Two more reports, by Haryana Darpana and Yugmarg. @mlkhattar @anilvijminister #RegulateDontBan

We held a presscon in Chennai today against the TN vape ban. Later presented studies to state health secretary. Both him and the health minister are doctors, yet clueless on the science. #RegulateDontBan

A wicking machine. Can we foresee a future where similar devices are engineered to create job opportunities in the unorganised sector for the vape market? Yes we can! #RegulateDontBan

Because adults have tastebuds too. #RegulateDontBan