Prices skyrocket before taxes imposed on tobacco

Cigarettes prices increased by YR 40 per pack, following the conclusion of the Regional Conference for Combating Cancer, last Tuesday. 

Many companies and businessmen have donated to programs aimed at combating cancer. Among the donors was the Haeel Saeed group, which donated YR 50 million. Ali Mahdi Saleh, a smoker who smokes one of the brands produced by the Haeel Saeed group, said this was a small gesture, as the YR 50 million donated by the group could be recouped from consumers as a result of the new price in one day alone. 

Radman al-Qubati, a smoker of the same brand said he would continue smoking cigarettes in spite of the higher price. 

Meanwhile, President Saleh attended the closing ceremony of the conference, and instructed the responsible authorities to purchase new equipment which will aid the detection of cancer in its early stages, and for this equipment to be provided to all cancer clinics.
 
He instructed the passing of new laws imposing special taxes on cigarettes and mobile bills, with the proceeds going to cancer treatment programs.

Ahmad Hussein complained about the increase in the price of cigarettes, saying cigarette companies have been donating money for cancer treatment with the right hand, while getting their money back three-times with the left hand. 

He questioned how the head of one of the biggest cigarette producers in Yemen could be the same person who heads the association for combating cancer. 

“How could this association raise cases in court against tobacco companies in favor of cancer victims while being headed by the owner of a tobacco company,” asked Hussein. 

Meanwhile following his meeting with the participants of the 4th conference of the Gulf Union for Combating Cancer, President Saleh called for the need to ban smoking in public places, especially in Universities and schools and on public transportation. He has also issued directives banning the use of certain pesticides and poisons, which are a danger to public health as they are also believed to cause a number of cancer related diseases. 

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