Physicians Demand Swift Passage of Tobacco Control Act Amendment in Bangladesh

Physicians from Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital and Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College Hospital have expressed deep concerns over the delay in amending the Tobacco Control Act, which they argue poses a significant threat to public health. A recent seminar titled 'The Importance of Promptly Amending the Tobacco Control Law to Protect Non-Smokers: The Role of Physicians' highlighted the dire consequences of inaction. The event, organized by Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College Hospital in collaboration with the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, brought together prominent experts to emphasize the need for immediate action.

Key Takeaways:

• The seminar emphasized that seeking input from tobacco companies in the amendment process is a direct violation of Article 5.3 of the Who FCTC (Framework Convention on Tobacco Control) and poses a grave threat to public health.
• More than 1,61,000 people die every year in Bangladesh due to tobacco-related illnesses, while nearly 4,00,000 become disabled, according to Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury.
• Around 38.4 million adults are exposed to the harms of second-hand smoke daily, and any delay in amending the law amounts to negligence towards public health.
• 442 people die prematurely every day due to tobacco-related causes, as stated by Professor Dr Habibullah Talukder Ruskin.
• Delays in enacting the amendment are unacceptable, and the government must take full responsibility, according to Professor Dr Habibullah Talukder Ruskin.
• The late Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, founder of Gonoshasthaya, was a lifelong advocate of the anti-tobacco movement, and Gonoshasthaya will continue to work relentlessly in tobacco control.
• Six key amendments proposed by the Ministry of Health to the existing Tobacco Control Act were highlighted, including abolishing Designated Smoking Areas, prohibiting display of tobacco products at points of sale, and increasing the size of graphic health warnings on packaging from 50% to 90%.

Statistics:

• 1,61,000 people die every year in Bangladesh due to tobacco-related illnesses.
• 4,00,000 people become disabled due to tobacco-related illnesses every year.
• 38.4 million adults are exposed to the harms of second-hand smoke daily.
• 442 people die prematurely every day due to tobacco-related causes.

Sources:

• "Doctors call for swift passage of tobacco law amendment" (Dhaka Tribune)
• "Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College Hospital"
• "National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh"
• "Who FCTC (Framework Convention on Tobacco Control)"