NMC Implements Restrictions on E-cigarette and HTPs Research Activities

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.18.2023
NMC Implements Restrictions on E-cigarette and HTPs Research Activities
India National Medical Commission (NMC) has banned medical professionals from conducting research on e-cigarettes and HTPs without necessary permits.

According to the latest news, the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India has recently implemented a significant measure that prohibits all healthcare professionals involved with the NMC from participating in any research activities related to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) until they obtain the necessary clearance from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

 

The recently enacted Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage, and Advertisement) Act of 2019 clearly prohibits the use of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and similar devices in India. As a result, all healthcare professionals associated with the NMC are required to adhere to this ban and are not permitted to engage in any research activities concerning e-cigarettes and HTPs without the necessary approval from the Director General of Health Services (Dte.GHS) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), according to the committee notification.

 

The decision was made after Atul Goel, the Director of Health Services, wrote a letter to NMC Chairman BN Gangadhar requesting action on the matter. He raised concerns about the involvement of medical professionals in the research of e-cigarettes and HTPs.

 

He further added that he believes NMC and IMA can play a crucial role in effectively communicating this directive to their members, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the ban on e-cigarettes and HTPs, as well as responsibly carrying out research within the medical community.

 

Previously, the World Health Organization also called on governments worldwide to treat e-cigarettes as tobacco products and to ban all flavors.

 

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