(VOVWORLD) - E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products were at the centre of a question-and-answer event at the ongoing 8th session of the 15th National Assembly meeting on Monday.
 Health Minister Dao Hong Lan proposes a ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in Vietnam, during the Q&A round at the 8th session of the 15th National Assembly in Hanoi on November 11, 2024. (photo: VOV) |
Minister of Heath Dao Hong Lan said that the use of these products is rapidly increasing and poses potential health and safety risks, especially for young people. To address this issue, the minister proposed amending the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms.
She cited data from a 2020 survey on adult e-cigarette use conducted across 34 provinces and cities, saying e-cigarette use among adults aged 15 and older had surged by 18 times, from 0.2% in 2015 to 3.6% in 2020, with the highest rate in the 15–24 age group. Another survey related to the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products by age group revealed that the demand and use among young people, especially women and girls, has also increased.
“Survey results show an increase in demand and use among young people, particularly among young women,” the Minister noted.
To address this issue, the minister proposed amending the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms. She said it should include provisions to ban e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, and the ministry’s stance is to prohibit these products, hoping the Government takes stronger measures on the matter.
Feedback from various ministries and agencies showed that most of them are highly supportive of the proposal that the Government recommend the NA on solutions to ban the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has conducted impact assessments as scientific evidence and has also made public the harmful effects of heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
The MoH has sent three documents to the Ministry of Finance and the Government Office to propose a ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.