Outdoor smoking in hospitals and health facilities. Should it be banned?

The paper discusses the inadequacy of smoke-free policies in healthcare settings, highlighting the significant health risks posed by tobacco use, which is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S. It emphasizes the need for hospitals to adopt comprehensive smoking bans to create a healthier environment for patients and staff. The author argues that such policies would not only improve public health but also reduce healthcare costs associated with tobacco-related illnesses. The ethical implications of allowing smoking in healthcare facilities are also critically examined.