In the Philippines, vape advocacy groups urge the Ministry of Health to educate smokers about low-risk products, such as e-cigarettes, to help them quit smoking.
THE ASSOCIATIONS WISH THAT THE GOVERNMENT TAKE EXAMPLE ON THE UNITED KINGDOM
The call was launched by The Vapers Philippines and Philippine E-Cigarette Industry Association (Pecia), while in the United Kingdom Public Health England has just published a new update of its report on vaping.
Peter Paul Dator, president of The Philippines Vapers, said the Department of Health's (DOH) smoking cessation program was currently providing advice in clinics and telephone support.
Some local health professionals also recommend nicotine replacement therapy, such as gums and nicotine patches, to patients, he said.
«We call on the Ministry of Health and health professionals in the Philippines to consult the latest update from Public Health England, as the UK is experiencing considerable success in reducing the rate of smoking among adultsSaid Dator.
Peter Paul Dator praised the country's public health officials. According to him, there has been a good job of raising awareness with the public regarding the health risks associated with smoking.
« Unfortunately, their efforts stop there. To have a real impact on reducing the harm of smoking, the public should also be made aware of substitute products that can help smokers quit smoking. »
Quitting smoking is a major challenge for many people. The president of Pecia, Joey Dulay, warned that if the 16 million Filipino smokers don't quit, they will get sick and die prematurely.
« They should be encouraged to switch to less harmful products such as e-cigarettes. It would be a monumental tragedy if the Department of Health continued to denigrate vaping without considering new evidence. ", did he declare.
Joey Dulay called on DOH to seriously consider Public Health England's latest update regarding vaping. He said the series of reviews by an independent executive agency of the UK Department of Health had largely shaped UK government policy regarding the role of e-cigarettes in tobacco control.
