Dubai: A nation-wide smoking ban in enclosed public places, to be implemented by the Ministry of Health, which has been reported by a section of the press, is actually a reinforcement of the anti-smoking law that has been implemented since January 2014.
Speaking to Gulf News, Dr Wedad Al Maidour, head of the National Anti Tobacco Programme at the Ministry of Health, said: “Most of the public places have been smoke-free since January 2014. By implementing a nation-wide ban we are seeking better reinforcements. We intend to hold workshops, and awareness campaigns and make the municipalities more responsible in imposing the ban.”
The ban which is being implemented to keep the members of the public safe and healthy will cover all places with convergence of a large number of people such as playgrounds, football pitches, theatres, cinemas, university campuses, hospitals and public transport systems, added Dr Maidour.
“Such a ban will greatly discourage smokers and get them to cut down on their smoking habit. Smoking in enclosed public places increases the risk of passive smoking. The risk of passive smoking is said to be as high as active smoking so why should non smokers suffer. This ban will ensure smoke free public places safe for our children as well.,” said Dr Sree Kumar Sreedharan, specialist, internal medicine at Aster, Al Karama, and an active anti-smoking campaigner.
The Ministry of Health is determined to cut down smoking in the country to cut down the risk of cancer. Lung cancer continues to be one of the highest reported cancers in the UAE and 60 per cent of lung cancer patients are smokers, according to oncology experts.
Since the beginning of this year the ministry has been imposing stringent anti-smoking measures. The anti-smoking law that has been in effect since January 2014 includes strict control on the sale of cigarettes, ban on cigarette advertisements under Federal Law No 15, ban on sale of tobacco is to teenagers under 18, ban on smoking in private cars with children under the age of 12, among other legislations. A fine of Dh500 to Dh10,000 is in place for anyone under 18 found smoking, among other legislations.
