New Tobacco Regulations Aim to Enhance Public Health Protection
The Serbian-Macedonian Health Association for the Protection of Tobacco Products, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, recently presented a revised legal framework for tobacco products. The law, initially enacted in 1995 and subsequently amended nine times, seeks to establish comprehensive regulation and bolster public health protection efforts. Minister Aliu emphasized the law’s focus on mitigating the consequences of tobacco use, which currently contributes to approximately 3,600 annual deaths – representing 13 out of every 100 individuals.
This translates to a significant economic burden, with the sector processing an estimated 38 billion dinars annually, equivalent to over 600 million euros, and accounting for 5.16% of the GDP. A key concern highlighted during the presentation was the rising trend of smoking, particularly among younger demographics. Statistics indicate that 13.6 out of 100 young people are currently engaged in tobacco use.
The updated regulations represent a renewed commitment to health and provide increased protection against the detrimental effects of tobacco consumption. The Ministry intends to monitor and evaluate the impact of these changes moving forward.
Topics: #health #protection #tobacco
