The Minister of Health and Population in Egypt, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has issued a permanent ban on smoking in all health facilities offering curative, preventive, or rehabilitative services. The objective behind this measure is to safeguard the health and well-being of citizens by mitigating the risks associated with smoking.
Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, elaborated that the minister’s decision encompasses a prohibition on smoking within ministry premises as well as its affiliated bodies and agencies.
“The director in charge of each facility has a responsibility to enforce measures that deter smoking. Failure to comply with this directive will result in penalties in accordance with the law, which entails fines ranging from EGP 1,000 to EGP 20,000 for the director and fines between EGP 50 and EGP 100 for the smoker.”
Abdel Ghaffar emphasised that the minister’s decision aligns with the provisions set forth in Law No. 154 of 2007, amended by certain provisions of Law No. 52 of 1982, pertaining to the prevention of smoking-related harm. These regulations encompass a complete prohibition on smoking in all forms within health and educational facilities, government entities, sports and social clubs, and youth centres.
He further stated that “a supreme committee for tobacco control will be established, chaired by the Minister of Health and comprising relevant ministers and representatives from civil society institutions, as mandated by the law. The outcomes of the committee will be presented by the Health Minister during cabinet meetings to facilitate necessary actions.”
In accordance with the aforementioned legislation, a specialised department within the Ministry of Health will be established. Its members, appointed by the Minister of Justice in consultation with the Minister of Health, will possess the authority of judicial officers in enforcing laws related to combating the harms of smoking.
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