Turkey launches specialized clinics for youth smoking cessation

Turkey's Ministry of Health announced the opening of new specialized clinics that will provide individualized treatment and counseling for adolescents aged 12 to 18 who want to quit smoking. The clinics are operating in seven provinces – Ağrı, Ankara, Bursa, Çanakkale, Çorum and Kütahya – and the ministry plans to extend the network across the whole country. They are part of a broader national anti‑smoking programme that already includes about 1,600 clinics offering support to the public. Recent data show that 28.3% of Turkey’s population aged 15 and older smoke, with roughly 31% of adults using tobacco and a smoking rate above 40% among men. A draft law being prepared by the ruling Justice and Development Party and the health ministry proposes further restrictions, including a total ban on the sale of all tobacco products beginning 1 January 2040.