Through a public notice dated 15/12/2023 National Medical Commission has advised doctors registered with NMC to refrain from initiating or participating in any research activity related to E–Cigarettes, HTP(Heated Tobacco Products) and like devices in India.

The public notice mentions that the Government have vide the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement) Act, 2019 (PECA, 2019) unequivocally banned the use of e-cigarettes, HTPs and like devices in India. In light of the same, it is imperative that all healthcare professionals affiliated with the NMC refrain from initiating or participating in any research activities related to e-cigarettes and HTPs without obtaining the necessary approvals from the Dte.GHS and MoHFW.

Also read- Save the Saviors from Suicides : Medical Associations ask NMC to take Action

 The  copy of the D.O. letter No. H.11013/03/2021-TC dated 08 December, 2023 has been attached with the public notice for information andNMC compliance by all healthcare professionals affiliated with NMC.

The letter from DGHS mentions that  the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage, and Advertisement) Act,20l9 (PECA 2019), has unequivocally banned the use of e-cigarettes, HTPs and like devices in India. In light of this, it is imperative that all healthcare professionals affiliated with the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Indian Medical Association (lMA) refrain from initiating or participating in any research activities related to e-cigarettes and HTPs without obtaining the necessary approvals from the Dte.GHS and MoHFW. In this regard, it is requested by DGHS to NMC to issue necessary instructions to all healthcare professionals affiliated with the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Indian Medical Association (lMA). The letter mentions that NMC and IMA can play a pivotal role in disseminating this directive among their members, emphasizing the gravity of adherence to the ban on e-cigarettes and HTPs, and promoting responsible research within the healthcare community.

Also read- SATHEE - Free Coaching Platform for NEET, JEE, UPSC Aspirants

The original public notice can be accessed  here-

https://thepacemakers.in/assets/uploads/media-uploader/public-notice-ecigarettes1702740396.pdf