- By Alex Criderman
- BBC news
image source, Getty Images
A draft bill, under consideration by the government, could put a message inside a pack of cigarettes urging smokers in the UK to quit.
The health ministry said the insert will list the health and economic benefits of trying to stop and highlight available help.
It is already in use in other countries such as Canada and Israel.
About 76,000 people die each year in the UK from smoking, according to the NHS.
The government has pledged to make the UK smoke-free by 2030, which equates to reducing smoking to below 5% of the population. Earlier this year, experts predicted that the target would fall short without further action.
Warnings have been printed on the outside of the box for over 50 years.
The health ministry said the cigarette pack inserts could contain information about how much money you could save by quitting smoking and potential health benefits.
A Canadian impact assessment found that smokers exposed to inserts were significantly more likely to quit, according to the report.
Deborah Arnott, chief executive of Smoking and Health Behavior, said, “We encourage smokers to keep trying because it takes an average of 30 attempts for smokers to successfully quit.” that’s important,” he said.
“The pack insert does this by backing up tough messages about death and disease on the outside and the best advice on how to quit smoking on the inside.”
Health Secretary Steve Berkley said: “Smoking is taking a toll on the NHS, the economy and individuals.
“By taking action to reduce smoking rates and pursuing our goal of being smoke-free by 2030, we are reducing pressure on the NHS and helping people live healthier lives. I will continue.”
Talks will run until October and seek input on the government’s proposal.
This was done when the Ministry of Health released its first report on the report. primary condition strategy, The organization aims to improve treatment and prevention of six groups of conditions which are said to account for 60% of all illness and premature death in the UK.
These diseases include cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory disease, all of which have been associated with smoking. Dementia, mental health and musculoskeletal disorders are also targeted.
