The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has proposed reducing the permissible blood alcohol concentration for drivers from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent, as part of new measures to curb the growing health risks from alcohol, tobacco, areca nut, and related products.
The proposal is part of a wider effort that MoH is pursuing under the National Multisectoral Action for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. MoH is working with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Department of Trade, Department of Revenue and Customs, Royal Bhutan Police, Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, The PEMA Secretariat, local governments, and civil society organizations. MoH described this as a united, multisectoral approach to tackling harmful substance use.
One of the key strategies is taxation and pricing policies. MoH said that the Excise Tax Bill measure is a proven global practice to reduce consumption and protect public health. Cigarettes will carry an excise tax of Nu 10 per stick, while cigars will be taxed Nu 40 per stick. Alcohol will face an excise tax of Nu 1,200 per litre of pure alcohol content, with whisky prices expected to rise from Nu 325 to Nu 643 per bottle. Similarly, beer will increase from Nu 65 to Nu 90 per bottle. Chewing tobacco will be taxed at Nu 1,500 per kilogram, while e-cigarette devices will face higher duties and excise taxes.
The ministry said the Tobacco Control Rules and Regulation will be revised to cover e-cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco products. Restrictions on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of alcohol and tobacco products will continue to be enforced.
Public awareness campaigns will be launched to educate citizens, especially young people, about the dangers of harmful substance use, including areca nut. Counseling, brief interventions, and rehabilitation services for alcohol and substance dependency are also being expanded in partnership with civil society organizations.
MoH stated that the health and safety of citizens remain the highest priority. It said Bhutan has always led with courage and compassion in public health and expressed confidence that through sustained political will, stronger inter-agency collaboration, community engagement, and science-based policies, the country can be protected from the devastating impact of NCDs.
Health Minister, Tandin Wangchuk, said that this is not just a health issue but a national responsibility. Lyonpo added that by working together, the wellbeing of the people and future generations can be safeguarded.
