New Legislative Period Draft for Contribution Fund for Healthy Life from Ministry of Health
Details of the new fund planned to be created through deductions from packaged cigarettes, tobacco, sugary beverages, and snacks have emerged.
According to the 25-article new legislative period draft prepared by the Ministry of Health, it is planned to establish a Contribution fund for healthy life by collecting additional deductions from various items ranging from packaged cigarettes to tobacco and sugary products.
Establishment and Scope of the Fund
The 25-article new legislative period draft prepared by the Ministry of Health came to the public agenda in the first days of the new legislative year.
It is stated within the framework of the prepared draft that the money collected will not be transferred to the general budget and a special fund will be created within the ministry.
Deductions for Cigarettes and Tobacco Products
According to the new regulation draft, it is anticipated to collect an additional deduction of 20 liras per pack from packaged cigarettes.
In addition, making a deduction of 100 liras per kilogram from unpackaged tobacco products is among the items planned.
Sugary Beverages and Snacks
The draft includes making a deduction of up to 5 liras per 100 milliliters from sugary beverages depending on the sugar rate.
For snack types whose excessive consumption is not recommended, it is envisaged to apply a 20 percent deduction directly over the sales price.
Financial Resource and Distribution
It is stated that approximately 110 billion liras of the resource targeted to be created annually, exceeding 160 billion liras, will be obtained from cigarettes.
It is calculated that the remaining approximately 50 billion liras portion will be covered from unpackaged tobacco and sugary products.
Areas of Use of Resources
The financial resource to be collected in the fund is planned to be transferred to school nutrition programs.
In addition, it will be used in combating childhood obesity, dental screenings, sports investments, and supporting smoking cessation clinics.
Effects on Producer and Consumer
It is emphasized that these deductions, which will be reflected gradually to the sugar rate, may force producers to change product formulas.
At the same time, it is stated that the financial burden will largely remain on the consumer and the situation has led to debates.
Economic and Social Debates
Criticisms are expressed that this system planned to be implemented will particularly affect low-income households more.
The mentioned criticisms and debates continue to be carried out directly over the prepared draft text.