Authorities in Northern Cyprus Warn of Public Health Risks Due to Pollution and Weak Oversight

Prof. Dr. Ceyhun Dalkan, chairman of the Association of Turkish-Cypriot Doctors (KTTB), in his address during Public Health Week (September 3–9) warned that the health of the population in Northern Cyprus is at risk due to environmental pollution and insufficient oversight. According to him, monitoring of food, water, and air is incomplete and non-transparent, and reports on pool and sea pollution do not inspire public trust.

Dalkan noted the lack of clear information on the risk of bovine diseases in meat and insufficient pesticide checks, especially in imported vegetables. He also pointed out widespread air pollution and black smoke emissions from AKSA and Teknecik plants, as well as the constant self-ignition of the Güngör landfill. He stated that the Tobacco Control Law (No. 44/2008) is effectively not enforced.

According to Dalkan, the current healthcare system focuses on expensive treatment, while preventive programs and screening are almost absent. He called for access to safe food, regular, transparent, and strict inspections, stopping sources of pollution, and restoring a network of medical units to strengthen prevention. This directly affects residents: more open data on air and food quality, expanded screening, and reinforced primary healthcare are needed.