How many people are dying in Pakistan daily due Tobacco use?
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ISLAMABAD (APP): Secretary Health Muhammad Ayub Sheikh on Tuesday informed the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination that around 300 people are dying daily due to tobacco use across the country.
The committee meeting chaired by Senator Sajjad Hussain Turi, was apprised by the federal secretary health that daily 1,200 people start using tobacco across the country.
The committee was informed that solid steps were being taken to encourage youth to quit smoking and discourage tobacco users to avoid this practice.
The committee was informed that the ministry was working to ensure pharmaceutical industry capable of producing safe, effective and affordable medicines.
The committee was told that local pharmaceutical industry didn't raise drugs prices since 2001 and they were producing drugs on affordable rates in order to give relief to the people.
The committee also discussed "The prohibition of smoking and protection of non-smokers health (amendment) bill, 2016" introduced by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed in the Senate.
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar suggested that the committee should take step to ensure the parliament safe from tobacco use.
She added parliament lounges should also be protected from tobacco users.
