In addition, a high prevalence of tobacco use and widespread use of unventilated indoor fires for cooking and heating combine to produce high rates of lung diseases in Nepal. The Government is preparing a national plan for tobacco control. In May 1992, the Ministry of Health created a National Anti-Tobacco Committee which also included representation from several nongovernmental organizations. Currently, it is compulsory for tobacco products to carry a health warning. A portion of the tobacco tax is used for public health improvement.
Smoking is banned in health care institutions, except in designated smoking areas.
Since 1992, the government has prohibited smoking in public places, public transport, cinema halls, and other locations. Smoking is also banned on domestic flights and flights from neighbouring countries. Health education Nepal's Ministry of Health and local NGOs, including medical organizations, are involved in health education about the hazards of smoking, through lectures, radio, newspapers, magazines, posters and pamphlets. Although a large proportion of adults are now aware of the hazards of smoking, a number of smokers are still not concerned about the effects on their own health, or on the health of others.