Fuente: Tobacco Reporter Lugar: Global Regulation Nepal says it is facing a worsening public health crisis as tobacco-related deaths have nearly doubled in five years, despite strong laws, which it says are poorly enforced. Experts speaking at an Action Nepal event in Kathmandu said rising consumption reflects deep policy failures and strong tobacco industry influence within state institutions.



Official data show deaths linked to tobacco rose from 24,800 in 2019 to 39,200 in 2023, costing Nepal Rs 12.2 billion ($84.2 million) annually in healthcare and draining around 1.2% of GDP through medical and productivity losses. Health experts claim that firm enforcement could save over 1.1 million lives in the next 15 years.



Activists accused industry-linked actors of weakening regulation and raised conflict-of-interest concerns involving Industry Minister Anil Kumar Sinha over legal ties to tobacco companies. Speakers said stalled reforms, weak warning labels, and poor compliance with bans highlight urgent need for accountability and stronger action.The post Nepal Says Failed Enforcement Leading to Rising ‘Tobacco Toll’ first appeared on Tobacco Reporter.