The World Health Organisation (WHO) conferred the 2017 World No-Tobacco Day Award to health minister Tandin Wangchuck on May 30 for Bhutan’s initiative in implementing measures to ban production and sale of tobacco in the country, stated a health ministry press release. Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuck is also the Chairman of the Bhutan Narcotic Control Authority.

Coinciding with the World No-Tobacco Day on May 30, the WHO recognises individuals or organisations in each of the six WHO Regions for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control.

“The award is a fitting tribute to the foresight and wisdom of our visionary monarchs, from whom the inspiration has been drawn to ban tobacco in the country,” the press release stated. “The Ministry of Health dedicates this award to all the stakeholders and their collective efforts in translating the tobacco control legislations into actions.”

Staff reporter