The Secretary for Health, Lo Chung-mau, has affirmed the government's ongoing efforts to reduce the smoking rate to 7.8 percent by next year. Speaking on a radio program, he emphasized that there are no plans to revise the target and expressed confidence in achieving it. Lo further stated that the government is dedicated to meeting the World Health Organization's recommendation that tobacco taxes account for 75 percent of the retail price of cigarettes.
Lo acknowledged that the previous year, marked by the pandemic and the lifting of related restrictions, posed challenges for tobacco control. He expressed concern over a potential rebound in Hong Kong's smoking population. However, preliminary data indicates that the smoking rate has decreased following an increase in tobacco taxes. Lo emphasized that raising taxes is just one measure among several to control tobacco consumption. Other strategies include intensifying efforts to identify illicit cigarettes and duty-paid packages, revising penalties for illicit cigarette sales, and exploring the expansion of smoking bans.
The government conducted a public consultation on tobacco control policies last year, and the analysis has been completed. Lo announced that the results will be announced soon. Additionally, he mentioned that the charges for public medical services, including emergency room fees, are under review. The aim is to ensure the appropriate allocation of resources, with a particular focus on assisting low-income disadvantaged groups and individuals with chronic illnesses. A comprehensive review of various factors will inform the proposed adjustments to the fees for different medical services, with a preliminary plan expected to be put forward this year.
Overall, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to reducing the smoking rate and implementing effective tobacco control measures. By aligning with international guidelines and exploring innovative strategies, they aim to improve public health and promote a smoke-free Hong Kong.
政府力求在2025年将吸烟率降至7.8%，卫生局长表示
卫生局局长罗中谋表示，政府正在努力将吸烟率降至7.8%的目标。他在一档广播节目中表示，政府没有计划修改这一目标，并对能够实现目标表示自信。罗还强调，政府致力于满足世界卫生组织的建议，即烟草税应占香烟零售价的75%。
罗承认，去年由于疫情和相关限制的解除，对烟草控制造成了挑战。他对香港吸烟人口可能出现反弹感到担忧。然而，初步数据显示，在烟草税增加后，吸烟率有所下降。罗强调，提高税收只是控制烟草消费的一项措施。其他策略包括加强对非法香烟和已纳税香烟包装的识别，修改非法香烟销售的处罚，并研究扩大吸烟禁令的范围。
政府去年对烟草控制政策进行了公众咨询，并已完成分析工作。罗宣布将很快公布结果。此外，他还提到公共医疗服务的收费正在进行审查，不仅限于急诊费用。目标是确保资源合理利用，并集中帮助低收入弱势群体和患有长期疾病的人士。在修订不同医疗服务收费方案时，将综合考虑各种因素，并计划在今年提出初步方案。
总体而言，政府坚定致力于降低吸烟率，并实施有效的烟草控制措施。通过与国际指南保持一致并探索创新策略，他们旨在改善公众健康，推动香港成为无烟城市。
Comments