Press Release 7 January 2005 Position Paper of the Hong Kong Medical Association on Tobacco Control

Smoking is one of the major causes for fatal diseases in Hong Kong and is hazardous to both first hand and second hand smokers. Over 5,700 persons died of diseases induced by smoking every year in Hong Kong, that means 16 persons were killed by tobacco everyday. It is heartbreaking to see the endless agony suffered by both patients of lung cancer, chronic obstructive airway disease, heart disease and other illnesses related to inhalation of cigarette smoke as well as the mental torture endured by their relatives.

Being the representative body of all registered medical practitioners in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Medical Association fully supports the Government proposed legislative amendment to the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance which aims to protect the public from the harmful effects of passive smoking and discourage smoking by further expanding the statutory no smoking areas, tightening the control on tobacco advertisement and promotion, and introducing pictorial and graphic contents to the health warnings on tobacco products.

The Hong Kong Medical Association is concerned that many employees are subjected to heavy second hand smoke in workplaces like restaurants, bars and karaokes. These people often do not have a choice.

The Hong Kong Medical Association hereby appeals to legislators and the Government to further strengthen the anti-smoking regulations in Hong Kong. Our ultimate goal is to advocate Hong Kong to become a smoke free city.

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Notes to editors :
The Hong Kong Medical Association, founded in 1920, aims to bring together Hong Kong's government, institutional, university and private medical practitioners for an effective exchange of views and co-ordination of efforts. The foremost objective of the Association is to safeguard and promote public health. The Association speaks collectively for its members and aims to keep its members abreast of medical ethics, issues and advances around the world. In fulfilling these goals, the association hopes to better serve the people of Hong Kong.

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