Public health experts demand ban on tobacco products
Health Reporter
PESHAWAR: Blue Veins and Lady Reading Hospital jointly organized a seminar on “Emerging Use of Newer Tobacco & Nicotine Products including HTPs, impact on public health, and required response in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” here on the other day. The seminar aimed to highlight the public health impacts associated with the emergence of newer nicotine and tobacco products.
The seminar was attended by healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers and representatives from various organizations and government departments. Speakers at the seminar presented the latest research on the harmful effects of heated tobacco products and discussed the potential risks to users and non-users. They demanded for immediate ban and regulations on the usage and marketing of Velo, vapes, HTPs and other smokeless tobacco products for the best interest of public in the province.
The seminar also highlighted the importance of implementing policies and regulations that restrict the use and marketing of heated tobacco products. Participants agreed that further research was needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of these products and the health authorities should not rely on the facts and research provided by tobacco industry.
Dr Nek Dad, Director Public Health, Directorate General of Health Services Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said, “The rise of newer tobacco products and HTPs is a cause for concern as these products are not without their own health risks. It is important to educate public on the potential harm of these products and to work for creating policies that restrict their use and marketing.”
“The evidence is clear that newer tobacco products and HTPs are not a safe alternative to smoking. They may be marketed as such, but the science tells a different story. We need to prioritize public health over corporate profits and take action to protect people from the harmful effects of these products,” stated Tariq Barki, Associate Hospital Director LRH.
Qamar Naseem, Program Manager, Blue Veins said, “The health experts and social activists are committed to promoting public health and raising awareness regarding the risks associated with heated tobacco products and we will work together to educate the public and policymakers about the dangers of these products.”
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