'Don't delay on smoking bans, act now' says BMA
Mr Johnson expressed his disappointment that the Health Secretary's plans fell short of banning smoking in ALL enclosed public places. The BMA Chairman also feared the proposed legislation would be confusing, difficult to enforce and its introduction delayed.
While recognising the Secretary of State for Health had taken bold steps in many areas of public health in the White Paper, Mr Johnson urged John Reid to act now and introduce anti-smoking legislation as soon as possible.
Mr Johnson said: "I recognise that John Reid has certainly gone a long way on tobacco but he has wasted an opportunity by not introducing a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places. It makes no sense to allow smoking in some pubs ? what about the health and lives of employees who work in them?
"What concerns me is that by not introducing a complete ban, some pubs may find loopholes in the law to allow smoking. For example if landlords brought in pre-prepared sandwiches would smoking be permitted?
"I am also particularly worried about the time-scale. When lives need saving, doctors act immediately. John Reid should follow this lead. The Queen's speech is next week and these proposals should be in it."
The BMA is pleased to see that Government is tackling issues such as obesity and sexual health.
Mr Johnson commented as follows:
"It is good news that the Government has pledged fast access to sexual health clinics. The BMA has been pushing hard for the need to shorten the amount of time patients have to wait for appointments at genito-urinary medicine clinics.
"Other plans in the White Paper to tackle the soaring rates of sexually transmitted infections, for example the launch of a full-scale sexual health campaign and improved chlamydia screening, are very welcome indeed.
"I am also pleased that this White Paper begins to tackle the obesity crisis. The Government is considering some creative and bold initiatives like coding food labels for salt and fat content and restricting junk food advertising."
Ends
For more information please contact:
Franca Tranza
Tel: 020 7383 6188
Fax: 020 7383 6403
Email: ftranza@bma.org.uk
Public Affairs Division
British Medical Association
BMA House
Tavistock Square
London
WC1H 9JP
After 6:00 pm and weekends:
+44 (0) 790 167 0068
+44 (0) 208 651 5130
+44 (0) 208 444 7992
+44 (0) 1525 379792
+44 (0) 7747 394450
+44 (0) 7810 523 722
+44 (0) 115 845 1860
'Nu întârziere la fumat interdicþii, sã acþioneze acum "spune BMA - 'Don't delay on smoking bans, act now' says BMA - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate