These pictures, according to Mauritian Minister of Health, Rajesh Jeetah, represent the various tobacco-related diseases, including oral and lung cancers.
The decision to emblazon cigarette packs with such pictures are consistent with the new legislation on tobacco in force since 1 March 2008, Jeetah said.
"We have adopted a zero tolerance policy on smoking, which affects the health of the population with adverse effects on vital organs such the lung, the heart, the kidney, promoting cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, kidney failure, among others," he added.
To help smokers to change their habit, the government established a clinic where the services of a psychiatrist, an educator and a psychologist are available.
Since the implementation of the new legislation, the Minister said, smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages have been banned in public places.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, Mauritians consumed slightly more than 1.1 billion cigarettes in 2008.
Port-Louis - 01/11/2009
Pana
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