The government of Nepal has started an attempt to ban electronic cigarettes (vapes) in the country. This action is taken as a result of emerging public health worries concerning prospective vaping risks, with a focus on teenagers.
The initiative is being taken by the National Health Education, Information, and Communication Center (NHEICC) under the Department of Health Services. According to Keshav Raj Pandit, the director of NHEICC, he has reached out to various ministries, and customs departments, including Finance and Communications, to enforce the ban effectively.
Pandit said,” According to subsection 4 of Section 28 of the Tobacco Control and Regulation Directive 2071, no individual or entity shall be permitted to produce, import, sell, distribute, consume in public places and public transport, or promote and advertise electronic cigarettes through media channels.
“The use of e-cigarettes amongst youths is on the rise in Nepal, and preparations are being made to ban the products, which we believe are just as harmful to health as cigarettes,” stated Bhakta Bahadur KC, the Information Officer at the NHEICC.
A recent survey conducted by the Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI), revealed that 34.1% of the Nepalese population consumes tobacco in some form or another which is up from 31.8%.
“The increasing popularity of hookah and e-cigarettes, which some users view as smoking alternatives, has contributed to the rise in tobacco consumption,” said NDRI researcher Kamal Chaulagain.
The process of banning Vapes and e-cigarettes by the government is an important step toward dealing more effectively with public health issues that face its people as well as promoting healthy lives among them. With the successful implementation of the ban, Nepal could move closer to achieving a healthy and vibrant future for its citizens.
Also Read: https://whatthenepal.com/2024/05/09/nepals-herbal-exports-surge-reaching-rs-700-million-milestone/
