Tobacco.org

Drastic decline in smoking in Goa  

Beedi smoking is down by more than 50% in the state, reveals a new report published by the Union ministry of health and family welfare.

The report �?~Beedi smoking and public health', prepared in March 2008 reveals that the consumption of beedis in rural Goa has come down from 34.84% in 1993-94 to 16.55% in 1999-2000, while consumption of cigarettes has dipped from 4.54% to 3.78% during the same period. In urban Goa cigarette consumption has fallen from 4.21% to 1.78% and beedi consumption has reduced from 31.01% to 14.14%. . . .

Doctors agree that tobacco consumption has declined in the state. "The Goan literate population is aware that smoking can lead to cancer, lung and heart diseases," said Dr Wiseman Pinto, head, department of pathology, GMC.

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