MANILA, Philippines – Despite a legal setback, the Department of Health (DOH) will continue to campaign and raise public awareness on the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The agency, during a press conference yesterday, officially recognized that Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) gadgets, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes, cause diseases. “Electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products are sold in the market as alternatives for smokers trying to wean themselves off tobacco. Duque said the data to be gathered from the hospitals would be used for future policy directions for electronic gadgets. “Health professionals will now make diagnosis of vaping-related illness in the same way patients suffering from other illness are diagnosed,” Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo explained.

Source: Philippine Star October 17, 2019 16:00 UTC