By Holly McGuinness
Health professionals’ critical outlook on a “cash for vapes” program from Big Tobacco has seen the program halted for the time being.
The program would have seen pharmacies across the country receive $275 when ordering their VEEV vapes along with other cash incentives for referral programs to items made by Philip Morris tobacco company.
Brimbank council conducts inspections of retailers who sell tobacco and e-cigarette products, however the regulation of products containing nicotine is outside of council jurisdiction to regulate and is regulated by the state department of health.
Council has particular concern in young people vaping following a survey by Resilient Youth Australia of youths in brimbank, finding that 5% of year 7 students and one fifth of year 12 students surveyed had used an e-cigarette.
Brimbank Mayor Cr Jasmine Nguyen said the increase in Brimbank youth partaking in vaping is alarming, “There needs to be a much stronger focus on the education and protection of young people from the dangers of vaping,” Cr Nguyen said,
“While laws prevent the sale of e-cigarettes to young people, there is a growing unregulated market.”
The Royal Australian College of GPs has condemned the cash incentive, labelling it “appalling.”
RACGP president adj. professor Karen Price had concerns the move would create a void in public trust of their local healthcare providers, “what we essentially have here is a health organisation working hand in hand with a tobacco giant responsible for the deaths of millions and millions of people to incentivise pharmacists into pushing a harmful vaping product,” Ms Price said.
Ms Price also hopes for the scheme to not only be postponed but to cease entirely, encouraging individuals to seek professional advice regarding e-cigarettes, “have a chat to your GP about quitting nicotine. We are here to help, and I can tell you that you will almost instantly feel so much better and put yourself on a new, healthier path.” Ms Price said.
