“No way!”: Swiss tobacco multinational sponsors health congress

«A tobacco company as sponsor of a healthcare event? Wolfgang Kweitel angrily shouted “No way!” says. The media spokesperson of the Swiss Working Group on Tobacco Prevention refers to the framework agreement of the World Health Organization. Article 13 clearly states that contracting parties must prohibit or at least limit tobacco companies’ sponsorship of international events. However, Switzerland is one of the very few countries in the world that has not yet ratified the framework agreement.

Hospitals are making progress

The City of Basel Health Department sees no problem with Philip Morris’ sponsorship. Health director Engelberger says the canton has traditionally been linked to the event: If you have questions about sponsorship partnerships, please contact the organizers of the event.

At NZZ Connect, a subsidiary of NZZ, which organizes the conference, the answer to the question of whether it would be appropriate for a tobacco company to sponsor the health congress is evasive: “Future Health Basel” is “a dialogue platform for future healthcare players”. healthcare sector offering different perspectives and… “Innovative solutions from business, science and policy are discussed,” explains a representative from NZZ Connect. PMI decided to sponsor “in coordination with NZZ Connect”.

Philip Morris is silent

But the watchdog’s request triggered a rethink at Basel University Hospital and Claraspital: Both hospitals agreed and said they “will work to ensure that New Zealand has a sponsorship concept that excludes tobacco advertising and representatives.”

So what does Philip Morris say about sponsoring a healthcare convention? Unfortunately nothing. The company’s media office did not respond to the Observer’s questions.