Prof. Dr. Bülent Tutluoğlu, head of the Department of Chest Diseases at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, responsible for the Smoking Cessation Polyclinic, stated that the Ministry of Health's ban on electronic cigarettes and cartridges is incorrect, saying, "The Ministry of Health should not ban electronic cigarettes. It is an effective method for those who want to quit smoking. However, it should not allow these cigarettes to be promoted, advertised, and should regulate them." Citizens stated that the electronic cigarette ban constitutes a violation of personal rights and freedoms.
Prof. Tutluoğlu stated that many of his patients quit smoking thanks to electronic cigarettes, adding that it is wrong for patients to purchase electronic cigarettes themselves, and that it should be done under a doctor's supervision. Tutkuoğlu said, "The electronic cigarette treatment, started under medical supervision, lasts 4 to 5 months. During this period, we gradually reduce the nicotine cartridges within the cigarette."
