MPs have come up with an unique idea in the fight against tobacco. They want that the person buying a cigarette packet should get a free cancer check-up coupon, each time you buy.
The proposal is the idea Parliament Committee on Health and Family Welfare member Maneka Gandhi, who is recommending that tobacco companies start giving vouchers for free cancer check ups inside every cigarette pack.
"What I have recommended is coupons with every cigarette packet entitling you to a free cancer check-up. Also tobacco companies should set up cancer hospitals," says Maneka Gandhi.
It's a suggestion that will make tobacco companies see red but one that has found favour with the Health Ministry, which believes a coupon inside a cigarette packet will drive the message home.
"It would be wonderful if we could operationalise it. Nothing can be more powerful and hard-hitting than finding a voucher for a free cancer check-up every time you open a cigarette packet," says Health Secretary Sujatha Rao.
