Ministry of Health Handles Anti-Tobacco Regulatory Laws

UAE Minister of Health, Dr. Hanif Hassan, has lauded efforts of the competent authorities, in cooperation with the Ministry in fighting smoking habit, ratifying federal law concerning tobacco control pointing out the cooperation between all relevant authorities in the UAE.

He said: “The UAE gives great concern to health policies and works on developing them according to the requirements and demands of modern times. Such policies would definitely have a direct impact on health practices, medical standards in order to raise the health sector and provide healthcare quality services”.

The Health Minister called the members of the society to consider the efforts of the committee members who seek for supporting health practices and drafting such bylaws before their submission to the higher authorities in the UAE.

The importance of consultation and exchanging views definitely supports the regulations and executive bylaws.Dr. Hanif focused on the importance of health education and clarifying such bylaws to the members of the community noting the necessity of cooperation between societal organizations in acknowledging the younger generations with the dangers of smoking and its effect on the health of both individuals and society members.

In addition, Dr. Weddad Al Maydoor, gave a detailed presentation about the implemented procedures and reviewed the different articles of the law.

The meeting discussed the main guidelines and formation of the team members in relation to the preparation of the executive by-laws.Dr. Mahmood Fikri, Executive Director for Health Policies said:
“The meeting discussed the arrangements of organizing a workshop between 24-25 May in cooperation with the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office in the attendance of 5 experts who participated in the preparation of the executive by laws”.

The law included 25 articles that need to be regulated and clarify the detailed procedures in terms of tobacco products standards and regulations of packaging tobacco products. Dr. Fikri explained that tobacco consumption in the gulf region is an economic, social and health burden for more than 50 years due to the rapid spread of smoking and other habits such as shisha “hanooka” and the electronic cigarette.

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