Something needs to be done to ensure unhealthy practice of smoking and drinking is not passed down to younger generation – Deo

Ministry of Health’s Chief Health Inspector Vimal Deo says tobacco and alcohol abuse are two major causes of non-communicable diseases in the country and something needs to be done to ensure this unhealthy practice is not passed down to the younger generation.

Deo is part of the Ministry’s team that is currently conducting NCD and Wellness consultation with stakeholders at the Holiday Inn in Suva.

While speaking during the breakout session, Deo and his team suggested that license fee for the sale of cigarettes should be increased as this can minimise the sale of this product.

Meanwhile, a representative from the Ministry of Education questioned the suggestion of increasing the fee of tobacco license as it can only lead to an increase in importation of overseas cigarettes. He says this will lead smokers to buy more of exported products rather than local cigarettes.

The consultation was attended by civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and government agencies.