Tobacco.org

• King: Health Care Needs Will Be Met Regardless of Cost 

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah stated yesterday that the government would leave no stone unturned to strengthen the health sector.

“Nothing is expensive when it comes to people’s health,” the king said, emphasizing the government’s readiness to meet the requirements of the health sector regardless of cost.

King Abdullah made this comment after receiving World Health Organization’s (WHO) shield in appreciation of his efforts to combat smoking and for declaring Makkah and Madinah as tobacco-free cities.

Health Minister Dr. Hamad Al-Manie presented the shield to the king during a reception at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency said. . . .

Saudi Arabia, where a considerable number of people smoke, has launched a strident campaign against tobacco. Dr. Abdullah Al-Badah, supervisor of the Anti-Smoking Program at the Health Ministry, has called for increasing tariff on tobacco imports from 100 to 200 percent. “Imposing higher import tariff is the best way to cut down tobacco consumption,” Al-Badah said.

Jump to full article »