Taking strong notice of refusal to take action against tobacco consumption, Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) has directed Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) to strictly implement the obligatory articles 6 & 15 of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
According to the findings of the investigation report, a copy of which is available with Pakistan Today, the departure from established practice is proved, which is maladministration in terms of Article 2 (1) (A) of PO No 1 of 1983; hence it is advised to implement the obligatory articles 6 & 15 of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, strictly in accordance with regulations.
It is pertinent to mention here that Sanaullah Ghumman, General Secretary, Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) Secretariat, Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology, National Institute of Heart Disease, Rawalpindi, registered a complaint before Wafaqi Mohtasib against the NHSR&C for refusal to take action against tobacco consumption.
Sanaullah complained against the inattention and indecision of the agency (NHSR&C) to act according to rules and regulations for safety of human health through reduction of tobacco consumption due to which the health hazards to the youth of the nation are likely to increase.
He complained that the Ministry of Finance and Agency has been implanting regulations enunciated in Framework Convention on Tobacco Control for last many years, but have committed departure during 2017-18.
The complainants have approached all the concerned to act according to rules, but all in vain. They have invoked the jurisdiction of this office to rectify injustice being done to the public at large through maladministration of the agency under PO No 1 of 1983.
In response to it, the Tobacco Control Cell, MNHSR&C in its report stated that tobacco use was the single largest preventable cause of death in the world. The agency has conceded that implementation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has previously been made.
Technical Working Group in MO NHSR&C monitors implementation by all stakeholders to minimize Health Hazards because of consumption of tobacco. MO Finance endorsed Tobacco Control Cell to the extent that implementation of Article 6 & 15 is the obligation of government of Pakistan.
After hearing both in detail, investigating officer Dr Fayyaz Ahmed Rajha in his final findings, stated that from the perusal of the record, deliberations by respondents and input of experts departure from established practice is proved which is maladministration in terms of Article 2(1) (a) of P.O. No. 1 of 1983.
“Therefore, the Agency is advised to implement the obligatory articles 6 & 15 of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, strictly in accordance with regulations,” the report revealed. He said that compliance should be reported within 30 days of the receipt of these findings or reasons for not doing so intimated in terms of Article 11 (2) of President Order No 1 of 1983.
