China to ban smoking in medical institutions by 2022

China aims to ban smoking in all medical institutions by 2022, according to a notice published on Aug 3.

The notice, jointly issued by the National Health Commission and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said the establishment of smoke-free medical institutions is important for guiding the public to live in a healthy way.

Institutions that have already begun establishing smoke-free facilities should continue with their efforts, and those that have yet to begin should start as soon as possible, it said.

According to the notice, medical institutions at all levels will be encouraged to ask patients about their smoking history during their first visit, and primary-level medical institutions should be able to provide consulting services on quitting smoking.

Regular reviews will also be made to assess the establishment of smoke-free environments in medical institutions, it said.