# Turkey preventive healthcare initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-preventive-healthcare-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-09-03T08:27:00.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2.

Turkey has implemented several initiatives focused on preventive healthcare and wellness. The effort began with the launch of the ‘Sağlığım İş Yerinde’ (My Health at Work) project in the Bartın Organized Industrial Zone. This six-month initiative aims to provide free services, such as cancer screenings, smoking cessation clinics, and obesity prevention programs, directly to approximately 6,700 industrial workers to combat non-communicable diseases.

This localized effort expanded into a nationwide observance of Public Health Week, held from September 3 to 9. During this period, Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu reported that the country has conducted 158 million chronic disease screenings and 16.1 million free cancer screenings, resulting in the early detection of illnesses in 14.1 million citizens. To support these preventive measures, the Ministry of Health has increased the number of smoking cessation clinics by 260 percent, reaching a total of 1,678 facilities.

Local municipalities have contributed through diverse awareness events. In Kastamonu and Kütahya, ‘health streets’ have been established in public squares to offer free blood pressure, blood sugar, and cancer screenings. In Bursa, activities include awareness walks and nutrition festivals for children. Additionally, the Karabağlar Municipality in İzmir has opened a voluntary counseling and testing center to provide free, confidential HIV testing. Minister Memişoğlu noted that addressing smoking—which affects approximately one in three people in Turkey—remains a critical priority to reduce risks of lung cancer, heart attacks, and strokes.

## Claims

- Turkey operates 8,401 Family Health Centers with 31,000 family physicians. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 158 million chronic disease screenings were conducted, resulting in the early detection of diseases in 14.1 million citizens. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 16.1 million free cancer screenings were performed, leading to early detection and treatment for 36,000 citizens. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The number of smoking cessation clinics has increased by 260 percent to a total of 1,678. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 357 Healthy Life Centers provide support across 17 different areas, including nutrition and physical activity. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- In Denizli, Family Health Centers serve as the primary contact point for citizens within the health system. (single source)
- Denizli provides various services through 137 Family Health Centers and 383 Family Physician Units. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Turkey observes Public Health Week with nationwide screenings

Turkey is celebrating Public Health Week with nationwide screenings and awareness campaigns. Minister Kemal Memişoğlu reported 16.1 million free cancer screenings and emphasized fighting smoking and obesity.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-expands-preventive-healthcare-services-and-screening-programs

### 2026-08-26: Bartın launches 'Sağlığım İş Yerinde' workplace health project

The Turkish Ministry of Health launched the 'Sağlığım İş Yerinde' project in Bartın to provide free cancer screenings, smoking cessation, and obesity prevention services directly to industrial workers.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bartn-launches-salm-i-yerinde-workplace-health-project

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Cite as: Turkey preventive healthcare initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-preventive-healthcare-initiatives