France's national health insurance fund (CNAM) has proposed the creation of a “smoke-free generation” by banning the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 2009.
The proposal is included in the organisation's annual report and follows the example of the United Kingdom, which recently adopted a similar measure, after the Maldives.
CNAM director-general Thomas Fatôme argued that France can and should move in the same direction, noting that despite warning labels on cigarette packets and repeated price increases, the country continues to lag behind other European nations in tackling smoking.
Call for Greater Emphasis on Prevention
The chair of the fund's board, Samira Lehaine, also stressed the need for a stronger focus on prevention, arguing that public health policy must now change direction.
The recommendation comes at a time when the deficit of France's health insurance fund is expected to reach €13.8 billion this year. Forecasts suggest the shortfall could rise to €15 billion in 2027 and €17 billion by 2029.
Mandatory Helmets Also Proposed
As part of the same effort, CNAM is also recommending that helmet use become mandatory for anyone over the age of 12 travelling by bicycle, electric scooter or other forms of personal mobility transport.
According to the organisation, accidents involving these modes of transport increased by 7.6% over the past year and have doubled compared with 2017 levels.
CNAM estimates that the proposed preventive measures could generate annual savings of up to €3.9 billion, an amount it considers essential for the long-term sustainability of the health insurance system.
