Vietnamese Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan has emphasized the need for stronger control measures on electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products to protect public health.
Speaking at a November 11 Q&A session during the eighth session of the 15th National Assembly, Minister Lan highlighted a significant rise in the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, particularly among youth, posing serious health risks based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other relevant organizations.
She stated that the health ministry proposed the National Assembly consider a complete ban on these products as part of amendments to the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control.
She urged lawmakers to weigh the long-term health costs associated with tobacco use, noting that for every unit of revenue generated by tobacco taxes, multiple times that amount is spent addressing health consequences. She encouraged legislative support for a ban on new forms of tobacco.
Currently, 24 ministry-affiliated hospitals participate in a nationwide network to support tobacco cessation. (Tin Tuc, Vietnam Plus English, Saigon Times, hcmcpv.org.vn, Dang Cong San)
Post date: 2024-11-19