Kim Wonjung Proposes Resolution Urging Social Responsibility
To Be Delivered to the National Assembly, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Other Relevant Agencies
"Support for National Health Insurance Service's Appeal in Tobacco Lawsuit"
Muan County Council in South Jeolla Province (Chairperson Lee Hosung) has called on tobacco manufacturers to actively fulfill their social responsibilities regarding the social harms caused by smoking.
According to the county council on May 20, at the second plenary session of the 301st extraordinary meeting held on May 19, the council adopted the "Resolution Recognizing Defects in Tobacco Products and Urging the Fulfillment of Social Responsibility," proposed by Councilor Kim Wonjung.
Muan County Council adopted the "Resolution Recognizing Defects in Tobacco Products and Urging the Fulfillment of Social Responsibility," proposed by Councilor Kim Wonjung, at the second plenary session of the 301st extraordinary meeting held on the 19th, and is urging tobacco manufacturers to actively fulfill their social responsibilities. Provided by Muan County Council
This resolution was prepared to support the appeal trial by the National Health Insurance Service against tobacco manufacturers, which has been ongoing since 2014, in order to hold them accountable for health damages caused by smoking. The resolution also urges the strengthening of both legal and social responsibilities of tobacco manufacturers, as well as the reinforcement of anti-smoking policies at the government level.
In the resolution, Councilor Kim pointed out, "Tobacco manufacturers have not sufficiently informed consumers about the harmful ingredients in cigarettes and have only labeled certain harmful substances such as tar and nicotine, thereby downplaying and concealing the risks of their products." He added, "Despite this being a clear labeling defect under the Product Liability Act, they have avoided both legal and social responsibility for it."
He further stated, "It is difficult to accept the court's decision that views the initiation and continuation of smoking solely as a matter of individual free will and excludes the National Health Insurance Service's right to claim damages, even though the agency performs a public function for the health of the people."
He especially emphasized, "The government must also deeply recognize that smoking is a serious issue that infringes not only on individual health but also on the health rights of society as a whole," and added, "There is a need to strengthen policy efforts, such as more active smoking regulations, to address this issue."
Through this resolution, the county council urged: ▲ tobacco manufacturers to acknowledge product defects so that consumers can fully recognize the harmful ingredients and risks of smoking; ▲ tobacco manufacturers to fulfill their liability for damages regarding the financial burden on health insurance and health damages caused by smoking; and ▲ the government and relevant agencies to strengthen policies for creating a smoke-free environment.
The county council plans to deliver the adopted resolution to the National Assembly, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and other relevant agencies.
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