New Tobacco Draft Bill Aims to Shift Healthcare Costs to Industry
A new draft law prepared by the Ministry of Health is set to make tobacco companies pay for the costs of smoking-related illnesses.
A new draft law on cigarettes and tobacco products being worked on by the Ministry of Health stipulates that healthcare expenses caused by tobacco products be paid directly by the tobacco industry.
Details of the New Tobacco Draft Bill
It was reported that a comprehensive draft law targeting cigarettes, tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and heated tobacco products has been prepared by the Ministry of Health.
Health Fund and Additional Tax Model
Prof. Dr. Toker Ergüder, a member of the Green Crescent Scientific Board, stated that the Philippines' practice was taken as an example in the additional tax model addressed under the title of the health fund.
It was stated that within the framework of the draft, a health tax article has been included that foresees shifting the costs arising from smoking-related diseases onto the tobacco endustry.
Global Practices
Prof. Dr. Ergüder noted that there are approximately 48 countries worldwide where tax revenues generated from tobacco products are allocated directly to the health budget.