General Director of Public Health Assoc.. Dr. Muhammed Emin Demirkol, “9 February Quit Smoking Day” In his statement within the scope of, He emphasized Turkey's determination in the fight against tobacco. Demirkol, 2025did 300 record thousand applications, 2026 in the year 1 announced that they aim to increase the number to million.
ANKARA – Ministry of Health, gears up in the fight against tobacco addiction. General Director of Public Health Assoc.. Dr. Muhammed Emin Demirkol, Stating that they aim for a historical increase in applications to smoking cessation clinics, He stated that the fight against tobacco is of critical importance for both public health and national security..
“Never Stop Quitting”
Demirkol reminds that 95% of smokers want to get rid of addiction but have difficulty., He addressed the citizens with these words:: “You may have failed many times before; But the important thing is 'not to stop letting go'. As the Ministry, we are with you with all our resources in this difficult process.”
Free Medicine and 1.500 Service Point
Demirkol stated that the anti-tobacco network has expanded throughout Türkiye., He listed the opportunities offered as follows::
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Polyclinic Increase: last year 470 The number of smoking cessation clinics was increased to 1,500.
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Free Treatment: In hospitals, Consultancy services and medications provided in Healthy Life Centers and Family Health Centers are provided completely free of charge..
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Digital Transformation: For citizens who cannot physically go to polyclinics “quit smoking online” service has been activated.
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Mobile Support: 250 mobile vehicle, Provides on-site support in areas where smoking is prevalent.
ALO 171 and Close Follow-Up
In the fight against addiction ALO 171 of the line 7/24 General Manager reminding that he is active, The processes of citizens included in the system are reviewed annually by experts. 6 He stated that he was called and followed up many times.. He added that psychological support processes are managed by psychologists at Healthy Life Centers..
2026 target: 1 Million Applications
Drawing attention to the fact that one in every three people in Turkey smokes, Demirkol, “2025 in the year 300 We broke a record with a thousand applications. 2026 This number in 1 We will take our success, which sets an example to the world, even further in the fight against tobacco by increasing the number to million.,” he said.
