From the imposition of restrictions on marketing tobacco products to prohibiting their sale to children, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is moving expeditiously to tackle the destructive impact of tobacco consumption in Jamaica.
As part of those efforts, the Ministry is to advance the passage of the Tobacco Control 2020 Bill, which provides for these and other restrictions.
“Tobacco consumption, whether first- or second-hand smoke, kills 8 million persons each year and costs the public health system billions of dollars to treat … This cost is borne by all of us, not to mention the pain and suffering from the loss of loved ones,” Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton told Parliament during his Sectoral presentation earlier today (May 3, 2022).
“I am pleased to announce that the Tobacco Legislation 2020 is now at committee stage and the report is to be tabled for debate and a vote in the Parliament this year,” he added.
In addition to restrictions on marketing tobacco products and prohibiting their sale to children, the legislation also provides for the expansion of prohibitions to include use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes, in public spaces; and support for reducing dependence. These are in addition to provisions for a fixed penalty regime and graduated penalties.
“This piece of legislation is significant to our efforts to manage the risks of the many devastating effects of tobacco smoking and impact on many families, in terms of the catastrophic health costs as well as the shortening of active work life and life expectancy,” the Minister told Parliament.
“I would like to thank my colleague parliamentarians and support team who have worked in this process over the past year. Thanks also to those who have made submissions to the Parliamentary committee. I urge my colleagues to support this Bill when it comes up for debate to enable the most comprehensive and significant piece of legislation in our independent history to control the devastating effects of tobacco consumption,” Dr. Tufton added.