India's consensus statement tobacco control priorities: Review of current strategies and the way forward.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco consumption remains a significant global public health challenge, causing over 8 million preventable deaths annually, with India bearing a substantial burden as second largest producer and consumer of tobacco products. Despite some advanced tobacco control policies, there are certain gaps, which requires effective implementation. To address these challenges, a national consultation was organized, bringing together experts to identify priorities in tobacco control in India and formulate an action plan.

DESIGN METHODS: A national consultation on 'tobacco control priorities in India-challenges and way forward' was organised where a total of 40 experts from the government, developmental organizations, and academia participated to formulate Short, Intermediate and Long-term priorities for tobacco control in India. Preceding the consultation, an extensive literature review and policy analysis were conducted to establish initial priorities. Subsequently, a consensus statement was developed to assist policymakers in identifying tobacco control priorities in India with agoal to achieve SDG 3a, aiming to strengthen the implementation of the WHO FCTC.

RESULTS: The proposed short-term priorities focused on promoting anti-tobacco curricula in health educational institutions, expanding cessation services, creating a national task force for Tobacco Control, training, monitoring and evaluation, and strengthening Tobacco Control Act. The intermediate priorities focused on advancing tobacco taxation, creating Tobacco-Free environments, adopting and implementing FCTC Article 5.3, building the capacity of National Tobacco Testing Laboratories and implementating Tobacco Vendor Licensing. The development of a comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy to address the policy gaps and maintain resources to support the sustainability of tobacco control efforts to reach the goal of tobacco-free India were long-term priorities.

CONCLUSIONS: National policies and legislation play a crucial role in strengthening the comprehensive tobacco control framework. The collaborative formulation of short, intermediate, and long-term priorities for tobacco control in India is essential for their phased implementation toward achieving a Tobacco-Free Generation, emphasizing a holistic approach for addressing challenges and leading the way ahead.