I will not be influenced by the tobacco industry: Dr Jamsheed

Minister of Health and Chairman of Tobacco Control Board Dr Ahmed Jamsheed has said that he cannot be influenced by the businesses in the tobacco industry, in his efforts to control tobacco consumption.

Speaking to reporters after a special ceremony by Health Ministry on the occasion of world no tobacco day, Dr Jamsheed said that businesses in the tobacco industry do attempt to obstruct efforts to control tobacco even in Maldives.

He expressed confidence that members of the Tobacco Control Board will not be affected by this influence.

“I am 100 percent certain that I cannot be influenced in this regard. It would be impossible for businessmen in this industry to delay things, or change a single thing the way they want,” he said.

He added that controlling tobacco is the responsibility the general public and not the responsibility only of the Tobacco Control Board or Health Ministry.

Certificates were handed out at today’s ceremony to fifteen businesses which have stopped selling tobacco. Information was also given to the media on the implementation of the law on controlling tobacco.