E-Cigarette Use Linked to Rising Treatment Costs
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has warned that treatment costs for e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injuries (Evali) are expected to surge to RM369 million annually by 2030 if no measures are taken to control the use of electronic cigarettes or vaping.
Treatment Costs
According to the health ministry, the government has to fork out over RM150,000 to treat an individual suffering from Evali, who is hospitalised for 12 days. As of September 30 this year, the ministry has recorded 41 Evali cases from 2019. The total cost borne by the government for treating Evali is estimated at RM150,892.11 per patient.
Impact on Public Health
Dzulkefly stressed that the cost of treating such cases is expected to soar exponentially by the end of the decade if no measures are taken to control the use of electronic cigarettes or vaping. To curb the use of e-cigarettes and vaping, particularly among children and teenagers, the government has implemented the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which came into force on October 1. The Act includes bans on advertising, promotion, sponsorship, and the sale of electronic cigarette products to minors.
HFMD Cases Decrease by 45%
Separately, Dzulkefly announced that hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in the country have seen a 45% decrease this year. As of September 28, the ministry recorded 53,864 HFMD cases, compared to 97,174 cases in the same period last year. The majority of HFMD cases involve children aged one to six years, which account for 71% of cases. Most HFMD cases recover on their own without requiring specific treatment, and there have been no deaths attributed to HFMD in 2023 and 2024.
Ministry’s Measures
The ministry has improved surveillance of HFMD cases through the infectious disease monitoring system to detect such cases earlier. Extensive health awareness campaigns via social media, posters, and talks have been launched to educate the public about HFMD symptoms, its transmission, and the necessary preventive measures. The ministry also encourages personal hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing with soap, especially after using the toilet and before eating. Business operators with children’s play areas are advised to take proactive steps in cleaning and sanitising such places to reduce the risk of HFMD transmission.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of electronic cigarettes or vaping has significant consequences for public health, including rising treatment costs and an increased risk of HFMD. It is essential that measures are taken to control the use of e-cigarettes and vaping, particularly among children and teenagers, to prevent these consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Evali?
A: Evali is e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injuries.
Q: What is the treatment cost for Evali?
A: The treatment cost for Evali is estimated at RM150,892.11 per patient, who is hospitalised for 12 days.
Q: What is the impact of e-cigarette use on public health?
A: E-cigarette use is linked to rising treatment costs and an increased risk of HFMD.
Q: What measures has the government taken to control e-cigarette use?
A: The government has implemented the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which includes bans on advertising, promotion, sponsorship, and the sale of electronic cigarette products to minors.