This is the definition of Gutka in Wikipedia -
“Gutka is a preparation of crushed areca nut (also called betel nut), tobacco, catechu, paraffin, slaked lime and sweet or savory flavorings. It is manufactured in India and exported to a few other countries. A mild stimulant, it is sold across India in small, individual-sized packets that cost between 2 and 10 rupees per packet. It is consumed much like chewing tobacco, and like chewing tobacco, it is considered responsible for oral cancer and other severe negative health effects “
One of the most disgusting public sights in India is spitting after having munched Gutka. It is a serious public health issue for both the consumer and the general public. Governments occasionally ban these products and revoke due to the industry pressure. Maharashtra is doing it for the second time. Four other states have already banned. As usual enforcement is lax and there is a thriving black market in those states. Gutka is consumed mostly by the lower income bracket and one can imagine the health care burden on the poor family if the earning member is cancer inflicted.
Unfortunately chewing Gutka and Pan masala is addictive and people addicted to it are ready to pay a premium. In the past some of colleagues who stay abroad have asked me to carry Gutka along, so much so it is available for sale in the “Indian stores” in the US and may be in Europe too.
Public health statistics are scary – one report states that 8 out of 10 oral cancer cases are related to Gutka consumption. This is a huge health care cost for a poor country like India with no public health infrastructure to speak of. It is a question of Tax revenues vs Health care costs and there is no doubt long term costs due health care are significantly more than the tax bills.
There are no simple measures but i guess a concerted public health campaign and a nationwide ban on Gutka production in the country are some measures one can think of. Such steps will face fierce resistance since state governments depend heavily on Alcohol, Pan masala and Gutka revenues for filling their coffers.
In the US concerted public health campaigns and litigations against cigarette companies have reduced consumption of cigarettes significantly over the past 3 decades and there is a significant drop in deaths related to smoking says a report “Utah has the lowest smoking rate at 10%, and California is second with a rate just below 13%, according to CDC figures. Since 1986, adult smoking in California has dropped by about 40% and, as a result, lung cancer rates in the state have been declining four times faster than in the rest of the country “
The likes of Pan parag and 100 other Gutka manufactures in the country are exploiting a poor and vulnerable populace to mint money and get away with murder. Government is a mute spectator in this carnage on public health.
