More Belgian smokers seeking professional help

Never before have so many Belgians sought professional help to quit smoking. Last year 38,335 people sought help, almost twice as many as in 2010, report Het Belang van Limburg and Gazet van Antwerpen based on figures from the National Health and Disability Insurance (Inami).

The number of Belgians to consult a smoking cessation specialist increased from 25,600 in 2010 to 38,335 in 2013. The smoking ban in pubs - in force since July 1, 2011 – provides some explanation for the increase. Another factor may be that, since 2009, Inami partially reimburses the first and second sessions of a consultation with a smoking cessation specialist. In 2010, Inami reimbursed a total of €610,000 to smokers who were in treatment, compared to €911,000 last year.

According to a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 21% of Belgians above the age of 15 smoke daily, 20% less than in 2000.