European support for Maltese anti-smoking law

The Maltese anti-smoking law has been praised by the European Federation of Medical Associations in Oslo.

The report, "Smoke-free Europe: reviewing progress, prescribing action", which contains comments from Dr Martin Balzan, general secretary of the Medical Association of Malta (MAM), shows that smoke-free laws are effective.

In the report, medical leaders from smoke-free countries as varied as Ireland, Norway, Malta, Italy and Sweden share their experiences of the new laws. The doctors all reported that the legislation was effective and that the laws were good for health and business, and were popular.

Published by the British Medical Association's Tobacco Control Resource Centre, it was launched in Oslo at the annual meeting of the European Forum of Medical Associations (EFMA) - a group of national medical associations from throughout the World Health Organisation (WHO) European region.

At the meeting, the presidents of European medical associations were urged to convey to their governments a strong message that medical doctors and their associations can play an important role in making European public places smoke free.

Representatives of Estonia, Finland and the UK outlined the difference a smoke-free law would make to them.

Speaking before the launch, Dr Tomaz Caks, chairman of the EFMA Tobacco Action Group, said Norway has been at the forefront of the smoke-free movement in Europe and that the law was working there. He augured that more countries would follow the Norwegian example.

"Second-hand tobacco smoke kills tens of thousands of European citizens each year. As doctors, we see its devastating impact. We see patients with cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems, caused by exposure to other people's smoke. We treat children with asthma, and chest and ear infections."

The EU Commissioner for Health, Markos Kyprianou, said smoke-free public places did more than just protect non-smokers from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

"They also help smokers kick the habit and dissuade young people from starting to smoke. I have no doubt that smoke-free places are the next major step forward for health in Europe. As this document shows so clearly, clean air legislation works in all cultures and climates."

The MAM has welcomed the new document calling for action to create smoke-free places throughout Europe, and continues to support the government to enforce effectively anti-smoking legislation.