Bridging the gap in the implementation of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 5.3 in India: Insights from an opinion poll and stakeholder consultation

Background: Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) outlines a roadmap for the parties to safeguard public health policies in compliance with the national law from the influence of commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry. Aim: The study was conducted with the aim to identify gaps and bring existing Indian policies in compliance with Article 5.3 of FCTC. Materials and Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional opinion poll involving respondents aged >18 years (n = 164) and a panel discussion (n = 31) were conducted. Results: The majority of stakeholders expressed (strongly agree = 65% and agree = 22.6%) the need for a nationwide policy to regulate interactions between public officials and the tobacco industry. About 56.7% felt the need to expand existing protocols and codes of conduct for public officials across India. Over 84% of the participants supported incorporating specific sections to implement Article 5.3 into the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act Amendment Bill 2020. The majority of participants supported the need for guidelines for medical bodies and prohibiting tobacco companies from participating in corporate social responsibility activities. Conclusion: The Government of India should comprehensively adopt Article 5.3, in all states and union territories, adopting a whole-of-government approach in partnership with the community and civil society under the "whole-of-society" approach for effective tobacco control measures.