The health sector in the capital city Hanoi has cemented its commitment to a no smoking environment by implementing the national anti- smoking strategy, in the hope that the measures will improve public health.

Since the beginning of July 2013, all units of the Hanoi Health Department, particularly hospitals, have put regulations in place to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking. C igarette advertisements have been removed and s igns forbidding smoking have been put up in offices, patients’ rooms and public areas.

According to the World Health Organisation, Vietnam is one of 15 countries with the most smokers in the world. About half of all male adults (15 years old and above) in the country are smokers.

The harmful effects caused by smoking are the main root of lung cancer and other lung-related diseases, according to health experts.-VNA