According to Minister Dao Hong Lan, the situation of mixing drugs into e-cigarettes is becoming increasingly serious, with 73 people being prosecuted for this behavior in the first three months of 2024.
On the afternoon of November 11, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan took the stage to answer questions about issues related to the sector. As the first person to question the head of the health sector, delegate Pham Thi Kieu (Dak Nong General Hospital) asked Minister Dao Hong Lan to state her views on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, their harmful effects on the health of young people, and to provide solutions.
The content about the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes and tightening the management of this product was also a concern of many other delegates throughout the question and answer session.
Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan said that recently, the rate of use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products has been increasing rapidly, posing many potential risks to health and life, especially among young people. Through investigations in 34 provinces and cities, the rate of e-cigarette use among adults increased 18 times, to 3.6% in 2020, with the highest concentration in the 15-24 age group.
The Ministry of Health has assigned a specialized unit to synthesize research content and evaluate the use of heated and electronic tobacco products on the effects on the heart, liver, lungs, and especially psychosis. In 2023, there will be 1,234 people treated for e-cigarette-related diseases. “In the context of about 40,000 people/year suffering from diseases caused by regular cigarettes, now e-cigarettes have a huge impact,” said Ms. Lan.
According to Ms. Lan, the main reason why e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are still widespread in the market is because there are no legal regulations allowing the sale of these products. However, in order to make a profit, many companies have taken advantage of sophisticated marketing methods and eye-catching product designs to attract consumers. In addition, the smuggling of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products has also contributed to this situation, causing many difficulties in management.
Holding up some electronic cigarette products with eye-catching designs and decorations, she said the appearance of electronic cigarettes is very eye-catching to children. “Can anyone imagine this is an electronic cigarette? These products on the market are very attractive to young people,” she emphasized.
The Minister of Health proposed that the National Assembly have stronger solutions to address the issue of e-cigarette sales to young people. “The Ministry of Health hopes to have a resolution from the National Assembly on banning e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products before the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention Amendment is submitted to the National Assembly in the near future,” Ms. Lan suggested.
The female minister said that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are new generation products, operating by heating a solution of substances containing nicotine or flavoring, usually dissolved into propylene glycol or glycerine. At least 60 chemical compounds have been found in e-cigarette solutions (also known as essential oils) and many other compounds are present in the gas/smoke produced. This type does not contain tobacco ingredients but only uses flavorings and chemicals, so it is not considered tobacco according to the definition of the Law on Prevention of Tobacco Harms and is not subject to regulation.
Investigation results from the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health show that this type of cigarette is addictive due to the nicotine it contains; causes cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, acute lung damage, poisoning and affects mental health.
Vietnam has recorded a rapid increase in the use of new tobacco products, mainly e-cigarettes and heated cigarettes. In the 13-15 age group, the rate doubled from 3.5% in 2022 to 8% in 2023. In 2023, more than 1,200 people were hospitalized due to the use of e-cigarettes and heated cigarettes, including many minors. The debate over whether to “ban or regulate” e-cigarettes has been raised many times in recent times, but many ministries and sectors have proposed an absolute ban to protect public health.
Also contributing to this content, Standing member of the Committee for Culture and Education Nguyen Thi Mai Thoa agreed with the Ministry of Health on announcing the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and recommending a ban on this product, but she asked the Minister to provide more information on the development of e-cigarette addiction cessation programs in localities.
Minister Dao Hong Lan said the Government has established a Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund with 9 task groups, including organizing a network of smoking cessation to support people. To date, the Ministry of Health has organized 24 smoking cessation centers which are hospitals under the Ministry. Among them, many specialized hospitals have a large number of patients such as Bach Mai, Lung, Hanoi Oncology, Traditional Medicine…
In recent times, Bach Mai Hospital has organized a drug addiction treatment center, providing technical support to hospitals nationwide to help people quit smoking. The Ministry has set up hotlines to support people in getting direct advice on quitting smoking. These models have been implemented effectively.
Delegate Le Hoang Anh cited a report from the Ministry of Public Security stating that the situation of drug-laced e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products is increasing rapidly and is difficult to control. Therefore, the Ministry of Public Security wants to ban the import, distribution and advertising of this type of tobacco, but the Ministry of Industry and Trade wants to conduct further pilot studies for better management.
“Many voters reflect that many interest groups of the tobacco industry are actively campaigning to maintain testing of these types of cigarettes. According to the Minister, have these interest groups successfully lobbied in Vietnam? What is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health to advise that the Government has not yet had a clear stance on this issue?”, the delegate of Gia Lai asked and at the same time forwarded this question to the Minister of Industry and Trade.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien agreed with the concerns of delegates regarding e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. He emphasized that while traditional cigarettes have clear regulations, new generation tobacco products lack a specific legal framework, leading to lax management.
Faced with this situation, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has proactively proposed to develop a pilot project to manage these products. However, due to receiving many conflicting opinions, especially the opposition from the Ministry of Health about the harmful effects of these products on health, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has agreed with the Ministry of Health that there should be a strict legal regulation to completely ban electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
Mr. Dien said that the Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to direct market management forces to strengthen inspection and handle illegal production and trading of these products. At the same time, the Ministry will coordinate with other competent agencies to build a complete legal framework to effectively prevent smuggling and consumption of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
Functional food and cosmetic business still has loopholes
Delegate Dang Thi Bao Trinh (Deputy Secretary of the Quang Nam Provincial Youth Union) said that with the mindset that functional foods are nutritious and have no side effects, many people do not hesitate to spend money on these products. “I request the Minister of Health to clarify the responsibility for state management and solutions to control the purchase and sale of these products,” the female delegate questioned.
This is also the concern of delegates Duong Tan Quan and Nguyen Thi Xuan.
In response, the Minister of Health said that the fields of drugs, cosmetics, and functional foods are managed according to the Law on Pharmacy, Circular 43 of the Ministry of Health, the Law on Food Safety… These regulations are sufficient to manage drugs, cosmetics, and functional foods, but many people still circumvent the law, exaggerate their effects, and show signs of defrauding consumers.
Many of these products are sold through hand-carried goods and livestreams on social networks. According to her, the business of functional foods and cosmetics must comply with regulations on product registration, declaration and labeling, but many products are currently being sold on the market without ensuring these requirements. Product advertising must have a certificate of advertising content and online sales of goods of unknown origin are illegal.
The Minister of Health assessed that the legal system on the management of functional foods has been relatively complete, creating favorable conditions for the development of this industry. In fact, Vietnamese functional food products have been exported to more than 30 countries, affirming their quality and reputation.
However, the buying and selling of hand-carried goods still occurs in reality. The reasons are high profits, consumers’ preference for foreign goods and difficulties in controlling online sales. To solve this problem, the Ministry of Health will coordinate with relevant ministries and branches to strengthen control of online sales activities, promote communication to raise consumer awareness and establish a rapid response team to handle violations.
The Ministry of Health has strengthened management and reviewed policy content that does not meet practical requirements for amendment, such as the Food Safety Law which is being amended and will be submitted to the National Assembly in 2025. The Ministry of Health has upgraded the circular on cosmetics management into a decree, which is being sent to the Ministry of Justice for appraisal. The Ministry also coordinates with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Information and Communications, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to review violations in product advertising.
In addition, the Ministry of Health has published a list of businesses licensed to produce functional foods, helping consumers easily choose reputable products. At the same time, the Ministry has coordinated with relevant agencies to strengthen inspection and strictly handle violations of the law in this field, especially in the field of advertising.
Delegate Khang Thi Mao asked: “Is it right or wrong for many doctors to wear white coats to advertise medicines and functional foods?”
Minister Dao Hong Lan emphasized that current laws have clear regulations on the use of images of doctors and medical practitioners in advertising. Specifically, the Advertising Law and its implementing documents strictly prohibit this behavior. In addition, Article 197 of the Penal Code also clearly stipulates the forms of handling of violations of the law in the field of advertising.
Ms. Lan also said that the Ministry of Health has sent documents to medical facilities to remind and request that medical staff absolutely do not participate in advertising activities for functional foods, in order to ensure the seriousness and reputation of the medical sector.
Concerns about drug shortages
Delegate Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy (Tay Ninh) questioned the delay in insurance payments, which is causing difficulties for hospitals and drug bidding. “Hospitals are facing difficulties and are in debt. How will the Minister resolve this problem?”, Ms. Thuy questioned.
Minister Dao Hong Lan said that this content was directed by the Government, the Ministry of Health has resolved over 11,000 billion VND of outstanding debt, is being allocated to medical facilities, is a resource for hospitals to buy equipment, bid for drugs. “Due to insurance arrears, hospitals have not been able to buy drugs in the past,” said Ms. Dao Hong Lan.
Delegate Pham Van Hoa (Dong Thap) pointed out the current situation of private medical facilities, clinics, doctors with foreign elements… hanging signs to treat many types of diseases, many of whom do not have degrees or practice licenses. “I request the Minister of Health to clarify the reasons for licensing these facilities, and at the same time provide solutions to overcome this,” said Mr. Hoa.
The Minister of Health pointed out that although the 2023 Law on Medical Examination and Treatment has strict regulations on medical practice, there are still many violations and disguised activities. According to regulations, the Ministry of Health licenses medical facilities under its management, private hospitals are licensed by the Department of Health, and other medical facilities are under the management of local authorities.
To strengthen management, the Minister suggested that localities need to regularly inspect and monitor the operations of medical facilities in the area, especially private clinics. However, she also admitted that the local medical practice management force is still weak, causing difficulties in performing tasks.
“We hope that localities will increase investment in the medical practice management force to ensure strict implementation of the law, contributing to improving the quality of medical examination and treatment services and protecting people’s health,” said Ms. Lan.
Delegate Nguyen Thi Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the Judiciary Committee, said that hospital pharmacies are still facing difficulties in bidding for drugs. In fact, there are still times when people have finished their medical examinations but cannot buy drugs. “Where does this problem come from and when will the Minister resolve it?”, Ms. Thuy asked.
Ms. Dao Hong Lan said that recently, agencies have had many solutions to solve the problem of drug shortage, especially the provisions in the 2023 Bidding Law. Hospital pharmacies are managed by hospitals, which organize the purchase of retail drugs to sell to people when needed, without having to use the budget. According to the 2023 Bidding Law, hospital pharmacies must also bid, so in reality, they face difficulties. Therefore, the revised Pharmacy Law is seeking the National Assembly’s opinion to hand over the right to proactively purchase to hospital pharmacies of medical facilities.
Chairing the question-and-answer session, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man said that according to the program, on the morning of November 12, the National Assembly will continue the question-and-answer session. Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan will answer questions from 8 National Assembly deputies who questioned her on the afternoon of November 11.
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Source: Vietnam Insider