‘No input sought, WHO against move’: Health experts plead against cigarette duty cut

Veteran health professionals with decades of experience are currently facing a profound sense of helplessness. Their lifelong dedication to public health and their aspirations for the nation's future seem to be unraveling before their eyes, replaced by a deep sense of disillusionment following the government’s decision to reduce import duties on tobacco products. These experts emphasize that this move was made without any consultation, professional input, or the endorsement of the World Health Organization (WHO).

“A Major Setback for Public Health”

“This is a significant step backward. We are in a state of shock. To make such a sudden decision without seeking any expert advice is a direct assault on public health,” a senior health professional told 'Sun' on the condition of anonymity.

“WHO Opposes the Move; Whose Advice was Taken?”The expert further revealed that during informal discussions, the WHO expressed its disapproval, viewing this decision as a mistake.

However, the organization has refrained from issuing a public statement of condemnation due to international diplomatic protocols, which discourage overt criticism of sovereign government decisions. Nevertheless, within official circles, their dissatisfaction is palpable.

Maldivian health experts are now questioning whose counsel was sought for such a pivotal decision. It is evident that the policy lacks any scientific or evidence-based foundation, as those responsible for health policy formulation were completely bypassed in the decision-making process.

Public Health at Risk, While Traders Benefit

The direct consequence of reducing tobacco duty is the return of affordable cigarettes and tobacco products to the market. Previously, when the duty was increased, the price of a pack of cigarettes rose to MVR 250, making it unaffordable for many and encouraging several individuals to quit smoking. Although some shifted to hand-rolled tobacco (beedi) as a cheaper alternative, the high prices generally served as a deterrent.

With the current availability of cheap tobacco bundles for hand-rolling, a further reduction in duty will lower prices even more. This effectively facilitates easier access for smokers, placing public health under renewed threat.

The health expert also noted that this move would not even benefit the state’s revenue. Instead, the reduction in duty will lead to a decrease in government income.

“The real beneficiaries here are the businesses. Their duty costs will decrease, allowing them to expand their trade and maximize profits. The question is, what is the underlying compulsion to  rush this through without any consultation?” the expert questioned.

“Lifelong Efforts Going Down the Drain”

Many in the healthcare sector are deeply concerned.

Efforts to secure a meeting to share these grievances have been unsuccessful. Experts allege that the Whole-of-House Committee of the Parliament approved the duty reduction yesterday without seeking any technical or professional advice.

Information suggests that even the 'Tobacco Control Board', a statutory body mandated by law to oversee such matters, was not consulted. This has caused immense frustration among those who have dedicated their lives to public health. Seeing the hard-won victories against tobacco consumption disappear overnight is a bitter pill to swallow.

“Only the Presidential Ratification Remains; A Plea for Reconsideration”

The legislative process is nearly complete. With the Parliament having passed the bill, the final authority now rests with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. However, the expert noted that the speed at which this bill moved through the Parliament suggests it is an initiative driven from the highest levels of the government.

“Our plea is for the President not to ratify this bill. If there is a sincere intention to protect the public, further consultations must take place before this becomes law. This decision will set the Maldivian health sector back by many years,” the senior official stated.

Timeline of the Legislation

The government proposed this amendment to the Export-Import Act last Monday. The bill was accepted on Wednesday and sent to the Whole-of-House Committee for review, where it was passed without significant debate. The committee approved the bill with a consensus of 69 members, including some from the MDP, without meeting any technical experts.

While the government maintains that the primary objective of this amendment is to encourage smoking cessation and promote healthier lifestyles, experts argue otherwise. They contend that fixing the duty at four Ruffiya per cigarette and setting the ad valorem duty at 30 percent will lower prices and inevitably increase tobacco consumption.

Following the duty hike in November 2024, which saw the price of a cigarette pack rise from MVR 110 to MVR 250, businesses reported a decline in sales. Consequently, health experts characterize this current change as a move to revive that trade and bolster the profits of tobacco importers.

Those who have spent their lives safeguarding public health now stand silenced. Their only hope is for the President to withhold ratification and send the bill back for review. Otherwise, they warn, this will be a dangerous step for the future of health in the Maldives.