Caretaker Health Minister Michail Okoliyski advocated for a comprehensive smoking ban and stricter limitations on the tobacco industry’s influence during a roundtable discussion. The event, titled “For improved tobacco control and effective implementation of the WHO Framework Convention and Bulgarian legislation,” was hosted by Minister Okoliyski and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Bulgaria. The minister stressed the need to implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and associated national laws.
Due to the current legislative vacuum, a formal letter has been dispatched to the President, all ministries, and relevant institutions. This communication urges two actions: establishing genuinely enforceable smoking bans to correct perceived double standards, and addressing the tobacco industry’s interference. Minister Okoliyski highlighted that such interference often occurs subtly, noting that the Ministry of Health should not partner with tobacco companies.
He pointed out a concerning trend, stating that while tobacco use is declining in other EU nations, it is rising in Bulgaria, with approximately 40% of the population smoking. He expressed concern over the high rates among youth and the noted pattern of girls smoking more than boys. The minister attributed the persistence of these issues to long-standing tobacco industry interests, which reportedly include purchasing media outlets to disseminate scientifically unverified claims about heated tobacco products.
Participants at the discussion echoed these concerns. Experts discussed legal loopholes regarding heated tobacco products and the insufficient funding for prevention measures. The consensus among attendees was the necessity of robust measures to protect public health policies from commercial interests, aligning with the mandates of the WHO Framework Convention.
Topics: #minister #okoliyski #effective
