Spain races to pass tobacco rules before election

Spain’s tobacco rules are on the clock: the Health Ministry wants to approve a decree on tobacco products before the 29 November election. Health state secretary Javier Padilla set out the plan in Madrid on 6 October. He said the ministry also hopes to approve the statutes of the State Public Health Agency and changes to employment rules for health sciences trainees.

What could pass before the vote

The early election has shortened the time available, Padilla said, but the three measures are already in different stages of preparation. He believes they can still be approved. A national plan for preparing for and responding to health emergencies faces a tighter timetable, though he said it too remains possible.

What will have to wait

Padilla said there is no longer time to pass laws on medicines and patients, despite what he described as sufficient agreement to move them forward. He expects the next government to take up both proposals.

The ministry’s day-to-day work will continue during the election period, he said. That includes purchase agreements for Covid-19 vaccines. The ministry has proposed that Spain’s regional governments include both Covid-19 and flu vaccines in future agreements.

Topics: Jobs & labour · Health · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com