Many benefits of building a smoke-free medical environment

In the context of the health sector's efforts to improve the quality of medical examination and treatment and protect public health, building smoke-free medical facilities is not only a mandatory requirement under the law but also a practical action that contributes to improving the quality of life.

In Article 11 of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms, medical facilities are places where smoking is completely prohibited indoors and on the premises. This regulation is specified in Directive 05/CT-BYT dated May 28, 2013 of the Minister of Health , requiring leaders of agencies and units in the entire industry to organize propaganda and dissemination of the Law. Organize a launching ceremony to build a smoke-free agency, sign a commitment between the agency, unit with cadres, civil servants, public employees and workers to strictly implement the regulation on smoking ban. Medical staff, especially doctors and nurses, are responsible for advising patients and their families about the harmful effects of tobacco. Leaders of agencies and units in the whole industry must set an example in implementing and clearly assigning responsibilities to departments, faculties and individuals in the unit and focus on implementing the following tasks: Directing the inclusion of tobacco harm prevention and control into the annual work plan, including the regulation prohibiting smoking in the workplace into the internal regulations and criteria for considering annual emulation and reward titles; Strictly prohibiting the sale and advertising of tobacco products on campus.

At the same time, organize inspections, supplement and arrange no-smoking signs in prohibited areas. Arrange staff with loudspeaker systems to regularly remind and urge patients, their relatives and visitors to strictly comply with the no-smoking regulations. Regularly and periodically check and urge the implementation of the provisions of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms at your agency or unit.

Dr. Duong Thi Tu, Head of the Department of Population - Communication and Health Education, Cai Nuoc Regional Medical Center said: Strictly implementing the smoke-free regulations brings many practical benefits. First of all, a healthy medical environment helps protect the health of staff, helping them work more effectively. Protecting the good image of doctors. Medical staff who do not smoke contribute to the education and promotion of public health protection. For patients, a smoke-free environment increases the ability to recover, reduces the risk of complications, and creates peace of mind during treatment...

In addition, eliminating cigarette smoke in medical facilities helps reduce economic losses by reducing the number of medical staff absent due to fatigue or illness caused by tobacco use. Reduces costs for environmental sanitation and fire prevention in medical facilities...

Building smoke-free medical facilities is not only a legal requirement, but also a measure of culture and quality of medical services, demonstrating the professionalism, humanity and determination of the health sector in protecting public health.

Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/nhieu-loi-ich-xay-dung-moi-truong-y-te-khong-khoi-thuoc-la-289870