June 2: Bhutan is recognized as the first country in the world to ban the sale of tobacco products in the country. It is four years since the ban was imposed.

As the kingdom on Saturday joined the international community to celebrate the world no tobacco day, BBS takes a look at how effective the ban has been. The ban on the sale of tobacco products came into effect in December 2004. Has the ban been effective? The answer we have received from the public has been mixed.

While some said the ban has helped people cut down smoking if not quit altogether, others said the ban has only given rise to a thriving black market.

One smoker in the capital said although it is more expensive, he has continued to smoke. "I have been smoking for the last 10 years. I think idea on the ban is good but has promoted black market," he said.

According to officials from the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Health, the sale of tobacco products has continued despite the ban with small shops and unlicensed individuals doing a thriving business. Those who have been given the responsibility of implementing the ban identified lack of legislation as the biggest hurdle.

Dr. Ugyen Dophu, the Director of Public Health Department is a member of the Tobacco Steering Committee. He said "Now people have resorted to innovative ways. They sell from their homes, where we do not have the authority to check there."

The Joint Director of Internal Trade Dophu Tshering who is also a member of the Tobacco Steering Committee says the ban on the sale of tobacco products has helped reduce consumption to a large extent. However, he accepted the existence of the thriving black market.

According to Dophu Tshering, the steering committee meets frequently to discuss issues and today we have the issue of black marketing."

The stakeholders continue to organize awareness programmes such as this function which was organized to observe the World No Tobacco Day.

The Health Minister Lyonpo Zanglay Dukpa joined the students of Jigme Namgyal Lower Secondary School to mark the day. He said smoking is common among the youth.

He said 60 percent of Bhutan’s population comprise of the youth. Therefore, he said it is important for the teachers to educate students on the ill effects of tobacco consumption.

Many people said educating the public, mainly the youth, may be the key to addressing the problem instead of the ban.