Caretaker Health Minister Michail Okoliyski advocated for an effective smoking ban and reduced influence from the tobacco industry during a roundtable discussion on improving tobacco control. The event, held at BTA’s MaxiM Hall and supported by the WHO office, focused on implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and relevant Bulgarian legislation. Given the current inability to initiate new legislation due to the parliament’s status, the minister directed a letter to the President, all ministries, and other institutions.
This correspondence outlines two key demands: first, the issuance of genuinely enforceable orders to end smoking double standards, as smoking is already legally prohibited; and second, addressing the tobacco industry’s interference. Okoliyski emphasized that while such interference is often subtle, acknowledging that tobacco companies should not be partners of the Ministry of Health is a crucial initial step. He highlighted a disparity, noting that tobacco use is declining in other EU countries while increasing in Bulgaria, where approximately 40% of the population smokes.
The minister expressed concern over the prevalence of smoking among young people, noting that female smoking rates exceed male rates in Bulgaria. Okoliyski attributed these persistent issues to strong tobacco industry interests, which reportedly include purchasing media outlets to publish unverified claims regarding heated tobacco products. Other participants reinforced these concerns.
Experts pointed to legal loopholes concerning heated tobacco products and insufficient prevention funding, while also noting the continued advertising and sponsorship from the tobacco sector. The discussion underscored the need to protect public health policies from commercial interests, aligning with the mandates of the WHO Framework Convention.
Topics: #minister #okoliyski #effective
A comprehensive smoking ban and limiting industry influence are necessary steps for public health improvement.