New regulation on the way for cigarettes and tobacco products: Visibility to be reduced

Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu made important statements regarding the country's agenda during a live broadcast program on the Kanal 7 television channel. One of the most striking topics of the program was the new bill prepared within the scope of the fight against cigarettes and tobacco products. Minister Memişoğlu stated that they have prepared a comprehensive draft law in order to minimize the negative effects of smoking on society. He stated that the draft is currently being discussed by the relevant authorities and may undergo some changes in the upcoming process. Authorities emphasize that the main purpose of this regulation is to significantly reduce the demand for tobacco products.

Minister Memişoğlu stated that the prepared draft text is currently being consulted with the President, members of parliament, and various relevant organizations. These broad-based discussions are aimed at contributing to making the law more effective and implementable. If the process progresses as planned, the new regulation is expected to take its final and definite form within a few months. At the center of the new policies is the protection of children and young people from these harmful habits. Along with the relevant legislative changes, it is planned to reduce the visibility of cigarettes and other tobacco products in public areas to the lowest possible level.

In addition to the fight against smoking, Minister Memişoğlu also touched upon Turkey's health workforce policies and current situation. Reminding that there are 126 active medical faculties in Turkey, he emphasized the breadth of the medical education infrastructure. However, despite this, he stated with regret that Turkey still lags behind the European and OECD averages in the population ratio per doctor. In order to close this gap and prevent potential staff shortages in the future, a comprehensive strategic plan has been made for the number of specialist physicians and general practitioners needed until the year 2036. It was learned that this long-term human resources study is carried out in close coordination with the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).

The Minister of Health also announced that they have made significant legislative changes to improve the working conditions of health professionals and expand their areas of authority. With the newly introduced regulations, many healthcare workers, from physiotherapists to dietitians and from nurses to midwives, will now have the opportunity to establish their own private units. In addition, thanks to the new legal framework called the 'Well-being regulation,' the provision of healthcare services in tourist areas, sports facilities, and various care centers will be made much easier. Modern practices such as telehealth services, palliative care, and home healthcare services have also been united under a single umbrella in terms of legislation, bringing them into a more effective structure.

These new legislative changes are expected to lighten the burden on the healthcare system and increase service accessibility. Memişoğlu drew attention to the importance of the matter, stating that similar planning continues for the employment and working areas of other health professional groups. Thanks to the expansion of authorities, nurses and other experts will be able to take on more active and independent roles in the provision of healthcare services. It is stated that these structural reforms aim to increase the quality and prevalence of healthcare services in Turkey. The Ministry added that they will continue to take decisive steps in both fighting harmful habits and strengthening the health infrastructure.