The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informs heads of hospitals that e-cigarette companies are currently engaging physicians, from both the public and private sector, in an attempt to recruit them in disinformation campaigns that promote electronic cigarette use as viable harm reduction options. Please understand that e–cigarettes (electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems, heated tobacco products, and hybridizations and modifications thereof) have been proven to introduce new risks above and over those already present in traditional combustible cigarettes. Both reduced exposure and reduced risk claims in favor of e-cigarettes have been debunked, leading to a call from the American Medical Association to BAN these products until approved and regulated by the US FDA.
In addition, these products have been demonstrated to be gateway options for subsequent tobacco and illicit drug use, especially for the youth, blunting any purported public health benefit from e-cigarette implementations compliant with the relevant public health standards.
In compliance with DOH-CSC Joint Memorandum Circular 2010-01, please advise all physicians, especially in the rank of Medical Officer, Medical Specialist, and Scientist, to DENY ALL requests to engage with the tobacco industry. Such engagements are inimical to the concord of medicine and public health, and reflect poorly on our commitment to protect the Filipino people from harm.
Dissemination of this advisory to all concerned is hereby requested.
Attachment:-> FDA Advisory No.2019-501