.................as it appeared before Parley Health Committee.
By Chapala Chikoyi
The Tobacco Control Consortium of Zambia TCCZ has reiterated its strong stance that tobacco is a drug that needs to be regulated.
Consortium Chairperson Albert Phiri made the remarks in Lusaka on Tuesday when he appeared before the parliamentary committee on health.
Mr. Phiri told the panel that the consortium welcomes the tobacco control bill even though it does not ban the production, manufacturing or distribution of tobacco.
He however pointed out that there are certain aspects of the bill that may need to be enhanced to close potential loopholes, prevent circumvention by industry and enhance enforceability.
The consortium has since proposed the amendment of part 11 of the general provisions, to provide for appeals by aggrieved parties, relating to enforcement actions, licensing decisions and penalties, to be made to the minister responsible for health rather than the minister for Commerce, Trade and Industry.
Mr. Phiri argued that the tobacco control bill is fundamentally a public health law and not a trade facilitation law.
He noted that the enactment of the bill is meant to protect lives, reduce the prevalence of tobacco related illnesses, and not foster trade or enhance industrialization.
He stressed that tobacco is uniquely harmful, addictive, and not an ordinary consumer product, with the potential to wipe out the current and future generations.
Mr. Phiri further submitted that the act, if assented to by the president, should come into effect immediately rather than waiting for a statutory instrument to be issued by the minister.
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