Kingston, Jamaica - The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton has announced that comprehensive legislation will be submitted to the House of Representatives soon to address the destructive impact of tobacco consumption in Jamaica.
The 2020 Tobacco Control Act will impose restrictions on the marketing of tobacco products and prohibit sales to children.
Dr. Christopher Tufton stated that the legislation is currently in the committee stage and added, "I am pleased to inform everyone that we are making good progress in this process.
He said, "I hope to submit a comprehensive bill next month, possibly within six weeks, and I urge my colleagues to quickly pass this bill in order to protect the people of Jamaica and reduce healthcare costs.
Meanwhile, Dr. Christopher Tufton outlined some provisions of the bill, stating that in addition to curbing the marketing of tobacco products and banning their sale to children, it would also prohibit the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes, in public places.
I am particularly passionate about this issue because we have observed a trend in our school system where our students are now using these electronic devices that look like a pen or a pencil. This has been corroding them in many ways. Therefore, I am looking forward to a strong legislation that supports reducing dependency," he said.
Dr. Christopher Tufton believes that the legislation will greatly manage the direct or indirect risks of tobacco consumption.
He pointed out that tobacco consumption, both firsthand and secondhand, causes 8 million deaths worldwide each year and costs public health systems billions of dollars for treatment.
In fact, tobacco is the world's second leading cause of death after high blood pressure. We all bear the burden of these costs, not to mention the pain and suffering," he said.
Source: Caribbean National Weekly
Legislation is expected to be introduced in Jamaica to regulate the marketing and sales of tobacco products.
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