Health Minister Memişoğlu's Statement on New Smoking Regulation

Stating that tobacco use in Turkey is one of the biggest factors leading to diseases such as cancer and heart attacks, Health Minister Memişoğlu expressed that the regulation on the agenda has nothing to do with privacy and is entirely aimed at protecting youth.

Health Risks Caused by Tobacco Use

It was announced that the biggest cause of diseases such as heart attacks, cancer, and stroke in Turkey is the use of tobacco and tobacco products.

Drawing attention to the fact that a significant portion of deaths in the country stem from such diseases, it is aimed for citizens to break this habit.

Trends in Quitting Smoking

According to research conducted by Yeşilay, a vast majority of people who smoke are trying to quit this habit.

It is emphasized that citizens who are dissatisfied with the current situation should be supported in this process and a collective struggle must be waged.

Protecting Youth and Children

It is stated that Turkey achieved great success in the fight against tobacco in past years, but this success has regressed in the recent period.

Due to ranking first in the world among men in lung cancer, it is aimed to keep especially youth and children away from this substance.

Youth Access to Cigarettes and Age Limit

Survey studies determined that a high proportion of youth between the ages of 13-15 can easily access cigarettes.

Stating that the average age of starting to smoke in Turkey is 17, efforts are underway to make bans more effective.

Purpose of the Regulation and Emphasis on Privacy

It was clearly stated that the prepared draft law has no relation to exposing people or personal data.

It was reported that, as in examples in developed countries, methods such as asking for age during sales and using QR codes are being evaluated.