Pictorial warnings on tobacco products

The proposal to introduce pictorial warnings on tobacco products finally seems to be underway albeit in a modified way. The health ministry has decided to let go of their earlier concept of showing gory pictures and instead settle in for milder picture that would be more acceptable to the wider public. I wonder how much the pressure from the tobacco lobby had to do with the change in the proposal.

The ministry has approached the court to implement the proposal as early as possible. The effectivity of the pictorial warnings is something that I doubt. Most of consumers I believe indeed are aware of the harmful effects and consume tobacco inspite of it. Maybe the warnings might have some effect, where awareness might be a bit low, I still would be doubtful about the effectiveness of this measure.

The pictorial warnings are to occupy 40% of the packaging area is to be occupied by the warnings. The manufacturers would find some other way to lure the consumers to their products. I am of the opinion that the warnings wont have the amount of effect of the magnitude necessary to bring about a change.