AGL 40.10 Decreased By ▼ -0.90 (-2.2%)
AIRLINK 127.80 Decreased By ▼ -0.34 (-0.27%)
BOP 6.60 Decreased By ▼ -0.10 (-1.49%)
CNERGY 4.60 Increased By ▲ 0.08 (1.77%)
DCL 8.58 Decreased By ▼ -0.03 (-0.35%)
DFML 41.40 Increased By ▲ 0.31 (0.75%)
DGKC 86.50 Decreased By ▼ -0.63 (-0.72%)
FCCL 32.13 Decreased By ▼ -1.26 (-3.77%)
FFBL 65.40 Decreased By ▼ -0.01 (-0.02%)
FFL 10.27 Decreased By ▼ -0.20 (-1.91%)
HUBC 110.60 Decreased By ▼ -0.03 (-0.03%)
HUMNL 14.70 Decreased By ▼ -0.60 (-3.92%)
KEL 5.15 Increased By ▲ 0.17 (3.41%)
KOSM 7.15 Decreased By ▼ -0.28 (-3.77%)
MLCF 41.69 Decreased By ▼ -1.30 (-3.02%)
NBP 60.20 Decreased By ▼ -0.22 (-0.36%)
OGDC 194.48 Decreased By ▼ -3.16 (-1.6%)
PAEL 27.95 Decreased By ▼ -1.06 (-3.65%)
PIBTL 7.98 Decreased By ▼ -0.28 (-3.39%)
PPL 150.52 Decreased By ▼ -3.64 (-2.36%)
PRL 27.08 Increased By ▲ 2.08 (8.32%)
PTC 16.08 Decreased By ▼ -0.01 (-0.06%)
SEARL 78.20 Decreased By ▼ -0.25 (-0.32%)
TELE 7.42 Increased By ▲ 0.05 (0.68%)
TOMCL 35.70 Decreased By ▼ -0.39 (-1.08%)
TPLP 7.90 Decreased By ▼ -0.17 (-2.11%)
TREET 15.87 Decreased By ▼ -0.09 (-0.56%)
TRG 52.70 Decreased By ▼ -0.66 (-1.24%)
UNITY 26.65 Decreased By ▼ -0.06 (-0.22%)
WTL 1.28 Increased By ▲ 0.01 (0.79%)
BR100 9,920 Decreased By -52.1 (-0.52%)
BR30 30,751 Decreased By -346.3 (-1.11%)
KSE100 93,225 Decreased By -423.8 (-0.45%)
KSE30 28,885 Decreased By -132.9 (-0.46%)

ISLAMABAD: Health experts stressed the need for educating healthcare providers on Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) strategies backed by scientific evidence for reducing the health impacts of smoking by switching to less risky alternatives. Experts told Business Recorder on Saturday that Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) strategies have been proven effective globally, significantly lowering smoking rates in countries like Sweden and Japan. However, in Pakistan, growing calls for stricter policies on “THR” products like vapes and oral nicotine pouches risk worsening the situation.

On the other hand, health experts expressed concern over the increasing availability of THR products, arguing that they pose severe health risks and remain largely unregulated in Pakistan. Their calls for immediate government action and tighter regulations reflect a narrative driven more by fear than by facts. While their intentions are to protect public health, this approach may miss a critical opportunity to reduce smoking-related harm through education and awareness rather than restrictions.

Responding to this, experts said that not all smokers are looking to kick the habit. Some wish to continue nicotine consumption but in a less harmful way. THR products, which are smoke-free, reduce the harmful chemicals found in smoke. Instead of viewing these alternatives as a threat, healthcare providers should be educated on the scientific evidence demonstrating the substantial harm reduction benefits they offer.

Another health expert from Karachi said that the credibility and expertise of medical experts lend significant weight to the cause, helping dispel myths and misinformation about less harmful alternatives. By endorsing THR, they can shape public opinion and influence policy decisions, fostering a more balanced and informed discussion around these products. Moreover, equipping them with tailored training and resources will enable healthcare providers to offer better-informed advice, ensuring that smokers are aware of the risks and benefits of different nicotine products, they maintained.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

Comments

200 characters