14.08.2025 18:48
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu stated that the fructose content in carbonated beverages sold in Turkey is approximately four times that of European countries, and he said, "We are preparing a new legal regulation that will cover all sugary foods."
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu met with representatives of media organizations in Ankara and made important statements regarding the ministry's health policies.
LEGISLATIVE REGULATIONS WILL BE MADE IN THE PARLIAMENT
Memişoğlu stated that there is four times more fructose in carbonated beverages in Turkey compared to Europe, announcing that they will initiate a comprehensive study on sugary foods in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The minister expressed that legislative regulations will be made in the Parliament on this issue during the new legislative period.
THE GOAL OF "SMOKE-FREE CITY" FOR ARTVIN
Sharing anti-smoking efforts, Memişoğlu announced that a new campaign has been launched with the slogan "If not now, when?" and that the number of smoking cessation clinics has been doubled. He also stated that they have started working towards the goal of a "smoke-free city" in Artvin, emphasizing that there will be no concessions on all products, including tobacco and electronic cigarettes.
Minister Memişoğlu said, "I have started this in the ministry as well. I said it in Artvin too. There will be a smoke-free city, there will be a smoke-free ministry. I think you should start the smoke-free media campaign. It’s not just tobacco, it’s cigarettes. All of them, electronic cigarettes, puffs, everything is banned. We will definitely not make any concessions regarding this. We are also going to public institutions now."
DEVELOPMENTS IN SMA AND CANCER MEDICATIONS
The minister announced that scientific studies are being conducted on medications used for muscle diseases, especially SMA, and that clinical trials for the domestic production of SMA medications will begin towards the end of the year. He also noted that five new drugs used in cancer treatment have been included in the reimbursement list and that some medications have been made accessible to patients by commission decision.