Campaign Launched to Bolster National Healthcare
A coalition of prominent Italian health and cancer organizations has initiated a campaign proposing a significant increase in the price of cigarettes. The 'SOStenereSSN' campaign, spearheaded by groups including the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), the AIRC Foundation for Cancer Research, and the Umberto Veronesi Foundation, advocates for a €5 excise tax on each packet of cigarettes and other nicotine-containing products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. The primary objectives are to deter smoking and to secure substantial funding for the nation's healthcare system.
The proposal was unveiled in the Senate, with campaigners aiming to collect 50,000 certified signatures by next spring. This threshold is necessary to trigger a parliamentary debate on the legislative initiative.
Projected Revenue and Public Health Impact
Proponents of the measure estimate that the €5 price hike could generate between €12 billion and €13.8 billion annually, which would be directly allocated to the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). This influx of funds is intended to address the healthcare system's financial needs and support prevention efforts.
Beyond financial benefits, the campaign highlights the potential public health advantages. It is projected that such a price increase could lead to a 37% reduction in tobacco consumption across Italy. Smoking-related illnesses currently impose a significant burden on the country, costing an estimated €24 billion to €26 billion annually and contributing to approximately 93,000 deaths each year. Data indicates that nearly a quarter of Italian adults smoke regularly, with a concerning prevalence among young people, where one in five teenagers aged 15 to 19 smokes daily.
Italy's Tobacco Tax Landscape and International Comparisons
Italy's current tobacco taxes are notably lower compared to several other European nations. For instance, the excise tax in Italy stands at approximately €3.19 per pack, significantly less than €7.45 in France and €9.92 in Ireland. A pack of Marlboro cigarettes in Italy typically costs between €6 and €7.
Campaigners point to the experiences of countries like France and Ireland, where similar substantial price increases have correlated with a notable decline in smoking rates. The proposed measure is seen as a crucial step to align Italy with more stringent tobacco control policies observed elsewhere in Europe.
Support and Next Steps
The initiative has garnered support from political figures, including Senate Vice President Mariolina Castellone, who has indicated plans to introduce amendments to the budget in line with the proposal. Public sentiment also appears to favor the move, with a 2024 survey by the Mario Negri Institute revealing that 62% of Italians support a specific tax on cigarettes, provided the revenues are directed to the SSN.
The campaign now focuses on gathering the necessary signatures to ensure the proposal receives a full debate in the Italian Parliament, aiming to transform the initiative into law and secure both public health improvements and vital funding for the national healthcare system.
5 Comments
Muchacho
This is a no-brainer. Save lives, save money, and improve the SSN.
Coccinella
It's good to see efforts to reduce smoking rates, especially among youth, but I worry about the potential for illicit trade if prices become too high too quickly. Effective enforcement will be key to success.
Muchacha
Reducing smoking is a worthy goal, and the revenue for SSN is desperately needed. Yet, we should also consider the impact on small businesses that sell tobacco products and ensure a fair transition for them.
Mariposa
Why always target smokers? This is a regressive tax that disproportionately hurts the poor.
Habibi
The idea of using tobacco taxes to fund healthcare is logical, given the costs of smoking-related illnesses. However, the article doesn't detail how these funds will be specifically managed to prevent them from being diverted elsewhere.