Event Report
Reet Lath
IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute organized the event “No Combustion, No Smoke: Exploring an Economic Perspective on Heat Not Burn Devices in the Indian Market” on August 13, 2024. This report-launch and panel discussion aimed to explore the economic, health, and regulatory aspects of Heat Not Burn (HNB) devices in India. Held at Maple Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, the event brought together experts from various fields to discuss the potential of HNB devices as a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking methods.
The event began with a warm welcome by the chairperson, Mr. Saugata Bhattacharya, Former Chief Economist at Axis Bank, who highlighted the relevance of the report in the current context, where public health concerns and economic interests intersect. The session was introduced by Professor Nilanjan Banik, a renowned economist and Program Director at Mahindra University, who set the stage for the discussion by presenting key findings from the report. The distinguished panel, which included Dr. Sasmit Patra – Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Ms. Urvashi Prasad – Director at NITI Aayog, Dr. Pawan Gupta – Senior Consultant at BLK Max Hospital, Mr. Sanjeet Kumar – Joint Director Finance, Ministry of Railways, and Dr. Manorama Bakshi – Director & Head of Healthcare and Advocacy at Consocia Advisory, provided a comprehensive overview of the economic and public health implications of introducing HNB devices into the Indian market. The audience, composed of policymakers, and academicians, was eager to delve into the potential implications of HNB devices in the Indian market.
Overview of Professor Banik’s Presentation
Professor Nilanjan Banik, the report’s author and an esteemed economist at Mahindra University, took the stage to present his findings. His presentation provided a comprehensive overview of HNB devices, which have emerged as a potential alternative to traditional smoking methods. Professor Banik explained that these devices heat tobacco without combustion, thereby reducing the harmful emissions typically associated with smoking.
He elaborated on the growing global trend of adopting HNB devices, particularly in regions where smoking rates remain high. In India, however, these devices face significant regulatory challenges, primarily due to their association with Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), which were banned by the federal government in December 2019. Professor Banik emphasized that HNB devices are distinct from e-cigarettes and vaping devices because they contain tobacco and do not involve burning, which might warrant a re-evaluation of current regulatory frameworks.
His presentation also touched upon the economic potential of introducing HNB products in India. He argued that the market for these products could be substantial, particularly adults seeking safer alternatives if they are not able to quit smoking the conventional cigarettes. Moreover, regulating rather than outright banning HNB products could create new revenue streams and contribute to public health cost savings by reducing the incidence of tobacco-related diseases.
Panel Discussion Overview
Following Professor Banik’s presentation, the panel discussion provided deeper insights into the various dimensions of HNB devices, with each panelist bringing their unique perspective to the conversation.
- Ms. Urvashi Prasad, Director at NITI Aayog, provided insights into the public health implications of HNB devices. She discussed the potential benefits of these products in harm reduction, particularly in a country like India, where smoking rates are high, and healthcare costs associated with tobacco-related diseases are substantial. Ms. Prasad emphasized the need for balanced regulation that can protect public health while allowing technological innovations to contribute positively to the economy.
- Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Consultant at BLK Max Hospital, offered a medical perspective on HNB devices. He acknowledged that while these devices are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they are not without risks. Dr. Gupta called for more comprehensive research to assess the long-term health effects of HNB use, especially in the Indian context where tobacco use is widespread. However, he also recognized the potential of HNB devices to reduce the overall burden of smoking-related diseases if properly regulated.
- Mr. Sanjeet Kumar, Joint Director Finance, Ministry of Railways, discussed the economic impact of HNB devices on India’s tobacco industry. He highlighted the potential for these products to open new markets, both domestically and internationally, and how India, as a major exporter of tobacco, could benefit from the global demand for HNB devices. Mr. Kumar also stressed the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks with economic goals to ensure that India remains competitive in the global tobacco market.
- Dr. Manorama Bakshi, Director & Head of Healthcare and Advocacy at Consocia Advisory, examined international experiences with HNB devices and their applicability to the Indian market. She compared the regulatory approaches in countries where HNB devices have been introduced and discussed the lessons India could learn from these examples. Dr. Bakshi advocated for a regulatory model that ensures consumer safety while fostering innovation in the tobacco industry.
- Dr. Sasmit Patra, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, focused on the legislative challenges surrounding HNB products in India. He pointed out that the 2019 ban on ENDS, based on the recommendations of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), did not fully consider the distinct nature of HNB devices. He advocated for a more nuanced regulatory approach that distinguishes between different types of nicotine products and their respective health impacts.
Conclusion
The event concluded with a robust Q&A session, where audience members engaged with the panelists on various aspects of the report and the future of HNB devices in India. The discussion underscored the complexity of the issue, balancing economic opportunities with public health considerations.
In his closing remarks, Professor Banik reiterated the importance of evidence-based policymaking in the regulation of HNB products. He called for a collaborative approach that involves all stakeholders, including policymakers, industry representatives, and public health experts, to create a regulatory framework that benefits both the economy and public health. The event wrapped up with a vote of thanks, followed by high tea, where attendees continued their discussions.
Acknowledgement: Written by Reet Lath, Visiting Researcher at IMPRI.
