On the eve of World No Tobacco Day, Kosovo’s Ministry of Health announced plans to engage 100 new inspectors to reinforce implementation of the Tobacco Control Law, amid growing health concerns over high smoking rates, particularly in indoor spaces.
Acting Minister of Health Arben Vitia highlighted the urgency during a press conference, describing smoking as a major public health challenge. He stated that while around 30 inspectors have already been hired, that number is insufficient to meet enforcement needs.
“We’ve increased inspection capacity with 30 new inspectors, but that’s still not enough. We are now working with the Ministry of Finance to recruit around 100 more, so that the law is fully enforced in all areas where smoking is prohibited,” Vitia said.
Pulmonologist Skender Baca voiced serious concern over Kosovo’s alarming smoking statistics, especially the health risks posed by indoor smoking, including in vehicles.
“Kosovo unfortunately ranks first in Europe for smoking. Over €600,000 worth of cigarettes are consumed daily, according to customs and statistics data,” Baca noted, adding that tobacco harms multiple organs—primarily the lungs, but also the heart, brain, and kidneys.
Public health expert Faik Hoti from the National Institute of Public Health (IKSHPK) announced that a national tobacco use survey will be conducted this year to gather updated data.
“We’ve made progress, such as implementing graphic health warnings, a WHO-recommended measure. Still, we must strengthen our activities in both smoking cessation and monitoring,” Hoti said.
Meanwhile, KOHA reached out to the Sanitary Inspectorate for data on this year’s inspections and fines related to tobacco law violations but did not receive a response by press time.
World No Tobacco Day, established in 1987, aims to raise global awareness about the health risks of smoking and to promote effective tobacco control policies.
