Vietnam sees over 84,000 tobacco deaths annually

Tobacco kills about eight million people worldwide each year, nearly 22,000 a day, including more than 84,500 annually in Vietnam, or over 230 a day.

The statistics were revealed at the launch of the “Smoke-Free Healthcare Facilities” contest at the Ministry of Health’s headquarters in Hanoi on Wednesday.

The event was organized by Suc Khoe & Doi Song (Health & Life) newspaper in coordination with the tobacco harm prevention fund under the Ministry of Health.

“In hospitals, smoking not only harms smokers but also seriously affects vulnerable patients with weak immune systems,” Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan emphasized.

“A hospital must be a place that protects life, where no benefit can justify risking patients’ health.”

“Creating a smoke-free environment reflects the ethical commitment and professional responsibility of every healthcare facility.”

Dr. Ha Anh Duc, head of the department of medical services administration and director of the tobacco harm prevention fund, said that in recent years, the smoke-free healthcare movement has been rolled out nationwide.

Many hospitals, medical centers, and local clinics have strictly enforced regulations, posted ‘no-smoking’ signs, and raised awareness among patients and medical staff.

After 10 years of implementing the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm, the rate of secondhand smoke exposure in healthcare facilities dropped from 23.6 percent in 2010 to 21.3 percent in 2023, while the proportion of patients receiving smoking cessation counseling increased from 40.5 percent in 2015 to 90 percent in 2023.

However, according to Duc, although the law stipulates administrative penalties for smoking in public places, especially in healthcare facilities, many violations remain difficult to handle because offenders often act discreetly, making it hard to catch them in the act.

Smoking is still found in many healthcare facilities, not only among patients and their families but even among medical staff.

This situation not only affects the treatment environment but also runs counter to the goal of building green, clean, and smoke-free hospitals.

“There must be stronger sanctions, along with greater efforts in communication and supervision, so that people raise their awareness and strictly comply with the smoking ban in public places, particularly hospitals,” Duc stressed.

By Duong Lieu & Dong Nguyen – Tuoi Tre News – September 20, 2025