Tax increase - the most effective measure to reduce smoking
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), increasing taxes is the most effective tool to reduce smoking rates, especially among young people and low-income people, who are most vulnerable to nicotine products.
However, in Vietnam, the special consumption tax on cigarettes is still low. Specifically, the tax only accounts for about 36% of the retail price, while the WHO's minimum recommended level is 70%. The slowness in tax reform has limited the impact of propaganda and inspection measures, no matter how hard they are tried.
The harmful effects of tobacco are no longer a matter of debate. Each year, tobacco kills more than 40,000 people in Vietnam. The medical burden it places on the health care system and the economy is enormous. However, the revenue from tobacco taxes is not enough to offset the cost of treatment and loss of labor productivity. Therefore, increasing taxes is not simply a measure to reduce consumption, but also a way for the state to recover the huge social costs caused by tobacco.
Although well aware of the harmful effects of smoking on health, many people still find it difficult to give up this habit.
A common mistake is to assume that tax increases will result in a loss of revenue due to reduced consumption. However, many countries have proven the opposite: despite reduced consumption, total tax revenue increases. That is why many countries in the region such as Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, etc. have continuously raised tobacco taxes.
We cannot fight tobacco with empty slogans, and we cannot expect effectiveness from the current “light” tax rates. A strong enough hit on prices will force users to reconsider their consumption behavior, especially the younger generation who are being “attacked” by electronic cigarettes disguised as modern and attractive flavors.
Be proactive and determined in preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco
In the context of slow changes in tax policies, Vinh Phuc has proactively implemented many synchronous solutions to promote tobacco harm prevention (PCTHTL). In the two years of 2023 - 2024, the province has issued and implemented many important documents, promoted propaganda, raised public awareness, especially among young people, about the harmful effects of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
The provincial Department of Health has issued 28 documents directing medical units to strictly implement the Law on Tobacco Control; coordinate with departments and branches such as the Department of Education and Training, the Provincial Youth Union, press agencies, etc. to organize competitions and creative and effective communication sessions on the topic of building a smoke-free environment. At medical facilities, the model of "smoke-free hospitals" is being promoted, with strict supervision, ensuring that smoking does not occur on hospital premises.
The province also focuses on inspection and handling of violations. In the past two years, the authorities have conducted 31 inspections, handled 14 violations, imposed fines of over VND27 million, and destroyed 90 packs of 555 brand cigarettes - a type that can cause serious harm to users' health.
In particular, according to the latest statistics, there is currently no unit in the province registered to produce, trade, export, or import electronic cigarettes or heated tobacco products. This shows that the province has relatively tightly managed this emerging field with many risks. In addition, the whole province currently has 8 units licensed to wholesale tobacco products; 1 unit licensed to trade in tobacco materials; 1 unit licensed to produce and assemble components for electronic cigarettes, all of which comply with the provisions of the law.
At the working session last April between the National Assembly's Culture and Social Affairs Committee's Survey Delegation and the Provincial Department of Health, Comrade Phung Thi Kim Nga - Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee affirmed: Vinh Phuc always identifies tobacco control as an important task that needs to be implemented synchronously and effectively. She assigned sectors and localities to continue promoting propaganda work; building a cultural and civilized smoke-free environment in agencies, schools, and public places; strengthening inspection and handling of violations. Notably, she proposed that the National Assembly consider amending the Tobacco Control Law, including sharply increasing tobacco taxes and retail prices, while increasing penalties - a completely reasonable recommendation and consistent with reality.
A stronger policy push is needed
From what has been happening in Vinh Phuc, it can be seen that the work of PCTHTL is only truly effective when there is close coordination between levels, sectors and political determination from local leaders. However, the efforts of a locality are not enough without nationwide policy changes.
Increasing tobacco taxes sharply and rapidly is not only a smart economic choice but also a moral obligation of the state towards the health of the people. If cigarettes are the “plastic waste” of the body, then tax policy needs to be a “filter” to prevent the waste from entering.
A more drastic step is needed, a strong enough move is needed so that the younger generation no longer considers smoking as a fashion. And a consistent and effective policy framework is needed so that localities like Vinh Phuc can fully utilize their internal strength in the long-term fight for public health.
Source: http://baovinhphuc.com.vn/Multimedia/Images/Id/130269/Tang-thue-thuoc-la-gop-phan-bao-ve-suc-khoe-cong-dong
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