Comparative Study on Tobacco Control in India and the United Kingdom: Analysis of Executive Policies

Abstract

Context: In recent decades, the tobacco epidemic has spread worldwide. The impact of tobacco control policies has been different among countries. This paper aims to explain how two countries, the United Kingdom (UK) and India, with different political, social, and cultural contexts, implemented the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Evidence Acquisition: A comparative study was done for tobacco control in UK and India in 2022. In a review of literature in five databases, observational data and legal documents on tobacco use were undertaken. To identify and explain the factors that pose challenges to the implementation of tobacco control policies, country reports and health policy monitoring and research databases (in total, 27 papers and 16 reports) were reviewed. Results: Having different economic, social, and cultural backgrounds, a similar pathway to control the tobacco industry can be seen in UK and India. At different stages of tobacco control, various interest groups with different routes of political influence used veto opportunities to overturn political decisions in the policy process. The factors that can explain the similar outcomes in UK and India are the global pressure of WHO, increased awareness of people and policymakers, and a sense of urgency about the tobacco problem in both societies. Conclusions: At different stages of tobacco control in both countries, various interest groups with different routes of political influence used veto opportunities to overturn political decisions in the policy process. Continuous analysis of interest groups and their status quo is necessary to restrict the tobacco industry in favor of public health. Governments should carefully recognize the stakeholders and stake challengers in the policy domain and balance their interests.