Doctors in North Macedonia state that in their clinics, the number of patients with serious respiratory organ problems has increased due to tobacco smoke.
“We have patients with lung cancer, while they live in mountainous areas where there is no air pollution,” says Lilia Çollakova-Dervishova, the president of the Doctors Association, to Radio Free Europe.
Meanwhile, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) have highlighted that about half of the population in North Macedonia consumes tobacco, specifically the percentage of current tobacco users reaching 45.4 percent of the country’s citizens.
Based on this data, about 70 percent of smokers started smoking before the age of 21. Additionally, in terms of gender, males are the ones who smoke more tobacco.
The WHO report emphasizes that North Macedonia ranks at the top of the list of countries with the highest percentage of tobacco users.
Also, according to the WHO, North Macedonia continues to inadequately implement tobacco control measures despite ratifying the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2006.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Health in North Macedonia, Fatmir Mexhiti, has warned that in 2024 there will be stricter measures for smokers, without providing any details on what they entail.
“In the coming year 2024, there will be rigorous measures for smoking, and a protocol has been signed with the World Health Organization. Let smokers think about it,” Mexhiti said on December 25.
Lilia Çollakova-Dervishova claims that the data indicating a decrease in the age of smokers is alarming for the overall health of the citizens of North Macedonia. She blames the behavior of adults in the presence of children and the lack of a culture of discouraging smoking.
“Children, seeing adults, perceive smoking as something enjoyable. I think the government should return to strict regulations,” she believes.
The Public Health Institute in campaigns for youth protection recommends: a complete ban on tobacco use inside and near schools, regular education of students, and more services to help young generations quit smoking.
Where is smoking allowed?
According to the Law on Protection from Tobacco Smoke, smoking is allowed outside business premises and hotel premises, on terraces or summer gardens. If irregularities are found, fines for companies range from 2,000 to 4,500 euros, while the responsible person of the company is fined from 500 to 1,000 euros.
Smoking by citizens in places and environments where it is prohibited is punishable by a fine ranging from 150 to 300 euros.
The State Market Inspectorate, which is responsible for controlling tobacco in hotel environments and public places, has informed Radio Free Europe that from January 1 to November 30 of this year, they have issued 328 fines in accordance with the Law on Protection from Tobacco Smoke after conducting 2000 inspections.
Regarding the fines issued for non-compliance with the Law on Protection from Tobacco Smoke, the Inspectorate stated that they have collected about 416,000 euros.
