Jigmi Wangdi

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is implementing a comprehensive strategy to address the alarming rise in tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure in the country.

During the recent meet-the-press session, Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk outlined a series of initiatives focused on reducing both smoking and the harmful effects of second-hand smoke exposure.

Lyonpo said that the health ministry is taking a multi-faceted approach, prioritising stricter enforcement of existing tobacco laws alongside enhanced public awareness campaigns.

“The ministry is committed to addressing the rise in tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure through a multi-pronged strategy,” Lyonpo said.

The ministry is also ramping up efforts to enforce the ban on smoking in ‘no smoking areas’ such as commercial centres, recreation spots, public transport, and institutions.

These efforts are supported by various government bodies, including the Royal Bhutan Police, with offenders facing fines for non-compliance.

Alongside enforcement, raising public awareness is a key focus. Lyonpo emphasised the ministry’s collaboration with stakeholders like the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and local governments to expand school programmes and promote the dangers of smoking.

“We are working closely with various stakeholders to create awareness and sensitisation on the dangers and ill effects of tobacco use,” Lyonpo said.

These campaigns will leverage television broadcasts and community outreach efforts to inform the public about the health implications of tobacco, particularly its role in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for the majority of deaths in Bhutan.

Tobacco remains a significant contributor to NCDs, such as heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. According to the National Health Survey 2023, tobacco use accounts for a major portion of these health issues, with 29.8 percent of Bhutanese aged 15-69 using tobacco products.

Around 70 percent of the burden of death in Bhutan is caused by NCDs, and tobacco is a major risk factor contributing to this.

Around 400 people lose their lives to tobacco every year. This is 10 percent of the total deaths, incurring an economic cost of Nu 1.2 billion each year.

Second-hand smoke exposure also poses severe risks, with over 50 percent of the population reporting exposure in workplaces.

Lyonpo highlighted the need for stricter controls, not only to prevent direct tobacco use but also to protect non-smokers, particularly children and vulnerable groups, from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

The surge in tobacco use has been partly attributed to the 2021 amendment of the Tobacco Control Act, which allowed import and sale of tobacco products to curb smuggling during the pandemic. However, this change has inadvertently led to a spike in tobacco consumption.

The MoH has announced plans to enhance tobacco control policies, increase tobacco taxation, and strengthen smoke-free laws. There are also efforts to expand tobacco cessation programmes to support those wishing to quit.