07.02.2026 12:20
As part of the new regulation being prepared for the smoking ban in open areas, it is planned to prevent smoking in children's parks and beaches, while the Ministry of Health aims to inform smokers via SMS and direct them to smoking cessation counseling in line with the goal of a "tobacco-free Turkey" by 2050.
The Ministry of Health has initiated a new study to send informative SMS messages to citizens who smoke while expanding smoke-free area practices in line with the goal of a "tobacco-free Turkey" by 2050.
NEW STEPS FOR A SMOKE-FREE TURKEY
The Ministry of Health is preparing to expand smoke-free area practices as part of the fight against tobacco and tobacco products. Following a decrease in compliance with the long-standing smoking ban in enclosed spaces, efforts have accelerated to implement the smoking ban in semi-open areas as well.
2050 GOAL: TOBACCO-FREE TURKEY
The ministry aims to achieve the goal of a "tobacco-free Turkey" by 2050. In this context, new practices aimed at reducing smoking are being implemented. Informative SMS messages containing "health" content are planned to be sent to citizens who smoke and are registered in the system.
SMS AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH STEP
A comprehensive research covering traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and puff usage will be launched in collaboration with the Turkish Health Institutes Presidency (TÜSEB). Within the scope of the study, citizens identified as smokers will be informed via SMS and directed to smoking cessation counseling.
SMOKING BAN COMING TO OPEN AREAS AS WELL
According to a report by NTV, the smoking ban is also on the agenda for open areas, in addition to semi-enclosed areas. To prevent smoking in children's parks and beaches, a "red line" application will be implemented. The regulation aims to reduce passive smoking and protect children from tobacco smoke. Details regarding punitive measures are expected to be clarified in the coming days.
1 IN 3 PEOPLE SMOKE
Speaking to Türkiye Gazetesi, the General Director of Public Health, Muhammed Emin Demirkol, stated that one in three people in Turkey smokes, and the smoking rate among women has increased. Emphasizing that the health risk in children increases fourfold if their parents smoke, Demirkol announced that the target for applications to smoking cessation clinics is 1 million.
VIOLATION DETECTION INCREASED 10 TIMES
Demirkol stated that they aim to reduce the visibility of smoking in public areas with new practices, and that violation detection has increased tenfold thanks to cross-checks. He mentioned that citizens identified as smokers will be informed via SMS and that these individuals will be quickly directed to counseling and the ALO 171 Smoking Cessation Hotline.