Pakistan is facing a healthcare crisis fueled by smoking-related illnesses. With over 160,000 deaths annually linked to tobacco use and billions spent on treating conditions like lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders, the economic and social toll is undeniable. As healthcare systems struggle to manage the burden, it is imperative to explore harm reduction strategies that can mitigate the damage caused by traditional cigarettes.
One such strategy is the adoption of nicotine pouches. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the marketing of Zyn nicotine pouches, recognizing them as a better alternative to cigarettes. These pouches eliminate the harmful effects of tobacco combustion, offering smokers a way to satisfy their nicotine cravings without the risks associated with smoking.
Some European countries have already demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach. By promoting nicotine pouches as better alternatives.
Despite the availability of nicotine pouches like Zyn and Velo in Pakistan, the absence of a clear regulatory framework means that consumers have no official guidance on their safety or effectiveness. Without regulations, the potential of harm reduction remains untapped, leaving smokers with fewer options and maintaining the strain on an already overburdened healthcare system.
To alleviate the growing health crisis, Pakistan needs to recognize the role of harm reduction and implement regulations that provide smokers with better alternatives. A proactive approach can ease the financial and medical burden caused by smoking-related diseases, benefiting both public health and the economy.
