The MoHP, which has already implemented 75 percent PHW on tobacco packets, said that the pictorial warnings have motivated people to quit tobacco and discouraged youth getting into the habit of smoking.Shanta Bahadur Shrestha, secretary at the MoHP, said during a program held in the capital on Friday that the ministry has been coordinating with other government agencies, social organization and civil society members to implement 90 percent PHW on tobacco products.
"We are committed to implement 90 percent PHW on tobacco products," said Shrestha.
Several studies conducted by the government as well as social organizations have shown rapid decline in tobacco consumption after the implementation of the pictorial warning on tobacco packets.
A recent study carried out by Action Nepal shows 55 percent decline in cigarette consumption after the government implemented 75 percent PHW on cigarette packets.
Khim Lal Bhusal, under-secretary at the MoHP, informed that the ministry is all prepared to implement 90 percent PHW on tobacco products.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Nepal Police, Jaya Bahadur Chand, who initiated a campaign to ban smoking in public places, said cooperation between the government agencies, civil society and social organizations is needed to discourage youths from taking up smoking.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bikram Singh Thapa, chief of Metropolitan Police Range Kathmandu, said that the beginning of every drug addiction starts with smoking.
"If we can discourage youths from smoking, we can minimize drug addiction and a lot of crime, ultimately," added Thapa. He informed that the police have been planning to launch massive campaign to ban smoking in public places, which is illegal in Nepal.
It is estimated that over 25,000 people in Nepal die every year due to tobacco related diseases.
The MoHP has outlawed the advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products.
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