The National Authority of Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation (SLADC), launched on Friday (26) an indigenous betel alternative along with a magazine that lists the health effects of chewing betel.
NATA Chairman Dr. S.W. Rajapaksa highlighted the ties between betel and Sri Lankan history and culture and revealed that the rising cases of oral cancer came about after the use of chewing tobacco.
“We have analysed how betel was used in history and the ingredients and other factors involved. We have conducted experiments in collaboration with experts in oral and Ayurvedic science from the Peradeniya University and Colombo University,” Dr. Rajapaksa commented.
He further stated that their primary focus is to reveal the realistic effects to one's health as a result of the use of betel with the betel nut and chewing tobacco, and the effects of the Ayurvedic product, which is the alternative to betel, betel nut, and chewing tobacco.
Furthermore, it was highlighted that the primary reason that led to the innovation of this Ayurvedic alternative was that the narcotic betel causes oral cancer.
“We want to reveal that betel was used in our history without the use of chewing tobacco, betel nut, and other harmful components, and was used as an Ayurvedic solution, and was not the culprit causing oral cancer,” Dr. Rajapaksa claimed.
“One person dies every four seconds. Sixty people lose their lives by using betel with betel nut, chewing tobacco, and other components. The people in our country also lose a lot of money on this product,” he added.
Moreover, as a measure to educate the public on the harmful health effects of the use of betel with betel nut, chewing tobacco, and other components, the NATA and SLADC launched the book “Bulath Vitta Saba Aruthka”.
Furthermore, an extensive presentation on the oral health and the effects of betel chewing and a scientific speech were presented by University of Peradeniya Faculty of Dental Sciences Senior Lecturer and Consultant OMF (Oral and Maxillofacial) Surgeon Dr. Nadeena Jayasuriya.
This was followed by University of Colombo Institute of Indigenous Medicine Senior Lecturer and Consultant Physician Dr. Kamal Perera presenting a speech in which he delved into the Ayurvedic perspective on the developed substitute and its effects.
Accordingly, the inauguration of the “Sanstha Bulath Sapae” product was conducted under the purview of the SLADC. Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi highlighted the importance of the substitute to the health of the users of betel and appreciated the innovation and the efforts to present an Ayurvedic solution.
SLADC Chairman Sagala Abeywickrema, State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Promotion, Rural and Ayurveda Hospitals Development, and Community Health Sisira Jayakody, and other officials were present at the launch.
NATA and SLADC launch betel alternative ‘Sanstha Bulath Sapae’
30 Mar 2021
NATA and SLADC launch betel alternative ‘Sanstha Bulath Sapae’
30 Mar 2021