DOH releases new graphic warnings vs smoking

MANILA, Philippines — To be able to continuously warn the public on the ill effects of smoking, the Department of Health (DOH) has released a new set of graphic health warnings on tobacco products as mandated under Republic Act 10643 or the The Graphic Health Warnings Law.

The new set of graphic health warnings, as provided by DOH Administrative Order 2023-0012 signed by Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, is required to be carried on all tobacco products, whether these are made locally or imported.

These images show illnesses associated with tobacco use – foot gangrene, deep tissue infections, mouth cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and lung disease, premature birth and tooth loss.

The graphic health warnings are supposed to be changed periodically so the public would not be used to seeing the same images. These labels come with photos of patients suffering from diseases due to smoking, as well as that of the affected body parts.

According to the DOH, the graphic warnings are aimed at making consumers aware of the harmful effects of smoking.

Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, executive director of Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), said they expect the new set of graphic health warnings to be effective similar to the previous health warnings.

“Various tobacco control nongovernment organizations were consulted in the development of the templates including SEATCA,” Dorotheo said in a text message.