Tobacco unit needs extra $1ma year

While the Health Ministry promotes smoking cessation under its Quit and Win program, financing the scheme was an area that needed serious consideration if the program was to be successful, Mr Corerega said.

If the State considers addressing the issue of helping smokers quit, future revenue generated from the sale of cigarettes could be directed to other forms of economic development, he said.

Interim Education minister Filipe Bole said it supported the Health Ministry's efforts to control smoking in designated areas.

"Smoking addiction starts early. Many young smokers think that they can quit easily but, it does not take them too long to find out that they are already addicted. According to the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council (NSAAC), in Fiji, 22 per cent of 13-15 year-olds smoke their first cigarette before they are 10 years of age," he said.

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