Gov’t to Intensify Implementation of Tobacco Control Regulations

The Government will be intensifying the implementation of provisions under the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations, 2013.

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said this undertaking will include mandatory prohibition of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, including a ban on point-of-sale tobacco displays; prohibiting the sale of all forms of tobacco products to and by minors; and regulating price and tax measures to effectively influence a reduction in tobacco consumption.

He was making his 2018/19 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (June 5).

Meanwhile, Dr. Tufton said a public education campaign will be rolled out to heighten awareness about the legislation.

“We are cognisant of the fact that greater enforcement is required to allow for compliance. So we will continue to sensitise our critical stakeholders to equip them to effectively utilise the provisions of the Regulations in their enforcement procedures,” he said.

The Regulations prohibit smoking in specified public places. These include all enclosed public places and conveyances, and enclosed workplaces; government-occupied buildings; health facilities, including pharmacies; sports, athletics or other similar facilities for use by the public; educational institutions; areas specifically designated for use by children; bus stops; departure and arrival waiting areas at a port or station for any form of transportation.

Dr. Tufton pointed out that the Government’s plan to intensify the campaign is guided by the need to reduce non-communicable diseases.

“We have to deal with this issue of non-communicable diseases, it is costing us as a country… and tobacco is a major contributor to that,” he added.

Dr. Tufton also lauded former Health Minister, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, for championing the anti-tobacco campaign.

“Indeed, that will be your legacy… and it is only right that we take the baton and take it forward, not just because we have international obligations but because it is the right thing to do,” he said.