Thursday, March 28, 2024

DOH to hold public hearing on e-cigarettes

The government is set to hold a public consultation meeting this week in preparation for an administrative order that will regulate the use in the country of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (Ends) or e-cigarettes.

Photo credit: insidescience.org
Photo credit: insidescience.org

Four months ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a public hearing to listen to the views and positions of the public and stakeholders on the possible regulation of electronic cigarettes.

Comments and suggestions were received both from interested parties in the Philippines and other countries, including international health organizations.

The output of the public hearing and meetings were used to help the FDA draft an appropriate guidelines, rules, and regulations on electronic cigarettes as manufactured consumer products which have safety concerns as well as efficacy issues on the health of the people.

The current draft administrative order has passed the initial review of the DOH Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau (HPDPB), and is now being subjected to a public consultation/hearing.

In the Philippines and most parts of the world, e-cigarettes are not yet regulated since ?because they don’t technically contain tobacco — even though the nicotine in them is derived from tobacco.?

According to insidescience.org, electronic cigarettes turn nicotine and other chemicals into a vapor that’s inhaled by the user.

?The smoker inhales a mix of water vapor and nicotine among other chemicals including propylene glycol. For all of the differences between e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes still contain nicotine, which is addictive, and it is unclear exactly how much nicotine the e-cigarette smoker inhales,? said insidescience.org.

The public hearing, which is open to all stakeholders, will be held on Dec. 19, 9:00AM to 11:30AM, at the Duque Hall of Department of Health in Sta.Cruz, Manila.

The FDA, a unit of the DOH, said consumer groups, organizations, academe, and local government units can send their written views and positions to the FDA. Comments can also be e-mailed to info@fda.gov.ph.

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