Union health minister – Ambumani Ramadoss – may not be the hero for his tenure in most cases. Let it be the case with AIIMS supremo or the mis-handling of resident doctors' strike the minister remained a target of criticism. For the first time, however he may earn some good wishes from a segment of the society, as he has declared a blanket ban on indoor smoking in all establishments effective October 2nd.

The problem of smoking is a real threat for our health. The passive smokers are worst hit. Under the pretext of excess pressure at workplace many workers are succumbing to smoking and some are just opting, it as a fashion statement or just peergroup pressure.

But the fact is the non-smokers are paying for the smoke rather heavily. A visit to any commercial establishment will pin point the extent of smoking taking place in the commercial establishments. The health experts used to advise the overweight persons to take staircase and avoid lifts, but the things are different. Those who intend to take stair case will surely be attacked by some lung disease or cancer in no time, thanks to the smoke filled staircases.

There are excuses being offered by the smokers such as excess work pressure and depression to substantiate their smoking habits. But they too should note that there is a set of individuals that also operate in the same work environment but does not resort to smoking. Smoking has got many bad effects on human body.

Despite regular warnings there is no reduction in number of persons smoking as such. But we are keen to know the details of the blanket ban on indoor smoking. There must be a well defined punishment and punishing authority with least hassles to enforce the ban. Both the smokers and the entity that allows this smoking (the management of the work place) must be penalised. An absence of such quick penal action would lead this ban nowhere making it a toothless tiger.

The ban should be enforced rather strictly in the fashion-maker industries such as IT, advertising and media. The bottomline is we have one more reason to cheer about. Thanks Ramadoss, at last you are talking sense.