We have long prided ourselves on our progressive stance against tobacco. In 2004, Bhutan made history by becoming the first country in the world to implement a nationwide ban on the sale of tobacco products. The move was applauded globally as a bold step toward promoting public health. But despite such measures, the reality on the ground has not been so simple. The surge in tobacco imports over recent years, particularly from non-Indian sources, is a sobering reminder that our battle against tobacco consumption is far from over.
Between 2020 and June 2024, we imported 531 million cigarettes, valued at Nu 1.5 billion. In 2022 alone, tobacco imports reached an unprecedented Nu 1.4 billion. The first half of 2024 saw imports worth Nu 337 million, with a striking 237.75 percent increase in cigarette imports from non-Indian countries during the second quarter. These figures reflect not only the growing demand for tobacco products but also the increasing complexity of regulating their trade.
The Ministry of Health has taken note of this troubling trend and there is a need for a more nuanced approach. Striking a balance between curbing illicit trade and protecting public health has become a central concern. With illegal tobacco trade posing significant challenges, legalising imports was initially seen as a way to bring this under control. Yet, the rise in consumption presents a grave risk to the health of the nation. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), linked to tobacco use, continue to strain Bhutan’s healthcare system.
Health officials have reiterated that while the economic benefits of legal tobacco imports may be evident, they must not come at the cost of public health. This position must be the guiding principle of any future tobacco policy. Our past efforts to restrict tobacco were driven by the belief that prevention is better than cure. The current dilemma presents an opportunity to revisit that philosophy, to ensure that short-term economic gains do not undermine the long-term health of our people.
The sharp increase in tobacco imports from non-Indian sources raises critical questions. What will be the future of Bhutan’s tobacco policy? Should we allow these imports to grow unchecked, or should we strengthen regulations that prioritise health over trade? The answer, it seems, lies in revisiting our original stance. The intention of the tobacco ban was never to burden the economy but to safeguard public health—a goal that remains just as relevant today.
There is a need for the government to take decisive action. Stronger public health policies, including greater awareness campaigns, stricter import regulations, and higher taxes on tobacco products, are essential.
The numbers are clear: as tobacco imports grow, so too will the number of NCD cases, imposing a heavy burden on the healthcare system and the nation as a whole.
History has shown that we are capable of bold leadership when it comes to public health. Our pioneering tobacco ban in 2004 was a testament to that. Today, we must once again choose health over convenience.
We must now renew our commitment to a tobacco-free Bhutan—not by ignoring the realities of trade but by reaffirming our belief that the health of our people is non-negotiable.