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· Bhutan
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Beating the smoking habit will require a more holistic plan of attack
Jump to full article: Kuensel Online (bt), 2009-11-25
Author: Ugyen Penjore
Intro: "Functionaries and servants of whatever rank, high or low, once they have entered the Dharma door of the Choje Drukpa, may not perform deeds that violate Dharma, such as sleeping with women, using intoxicating substances, such as tobacco..."
This was the world oldest tobacco control law contained in the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal's legal code, "Golden Yoke of Legal Edicts" before his death in 1651. 358 years later, Bhutan's highest legislative body, the parliament is still debating the Tobacco Bill.
Bhutan officially banned the sale of tobacco and tobacco products on December 17, 2004. Subsequently smoking in public places was also banned. Yet, even as members of parliament debate the provisions of the bill, tobacco products are easily available, there is a thriving black market and not many public places, including offices, are free of smokers.
Before the Tobacco Bill was discussed in the National Assembly, a research study on "Tobacco use policy making and administration in Bhutan" was presented to the parliamentarians. The study carried out by Michael Givel, a professor with the department of political science, university of Oklahoma, USA, talks of tobacco laws from Zhabdrung's time to the present law. The policies related to tobacco use, administrative implementation and outcomes of the policy. . . .
Professor Givel recommends Bhutan to institute a public governmental tobacco control plan, including general and strategic operating plans. "It'll create a rationalistic approach to coordinate and mobilise public and private resources to counter tobacco use and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke."
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