More than 16 million people have received free health care services at Healthy Life Centers across Türkiye during the first eight months of 2026, highlighting the country's focus on preventive health care and early disease detection.

Erdoğan Öz, general director of public health at Türkiye's Ministry of Health, said the centers have become an important part of the country's preventive health care system, offering free counseling and health services across a range of areas.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) on the occasion of Public Health Week, held from Sept. 3-9, Öz said awareness activities are being conducted throughout the week under different daily themes to encourage citizens to make greater use of preventive health services.

Türkiye has 357 Healthy Life Centers nationwide after 93 new centers were opened over the past two years, Öz said. Around 22 million people benefited from the centers in 2025, while more than 16 million have used their services in the first eight months of this year.

The centers provide counseling on smoking cessation, nutrition and physical activity, among other services.

More than 225,000 people have received free counseling at smoking cessation clinics since 2024, according to Öz.

Cancer screening is another key service provided through the centers. Öz said more than 10 million people have received early detection and screening services at Early Diagnosis, Screening and Training Centers for Cancer.

The centers also provide specialized support through menopause schools under the Healthy Life Academy, known as SAHA, reaching more than 80,000 people with counseling services.

Citizens can make appointments at the centers through Türkiye's Centralized Doctor Appointment System (MHRS), while family physicians can also refer patients to the facilities.

Öz said services are available across 17 specialties, including consultations with dietitians and psychologists.

Healthy Life Centers also operate pregnancy schools, providing support to expectant mothers and fathers. Pregnant women can be referred to physiotherapists and dietitians when necessary, while dental health services are also available.

Öz emphasized that greater use of preventive health care services can help identify diseases at an early stage and encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles.