Quit Smoking Helpline in Belarus

Frequently asked questions

Is there a quit-smoking help line in Belarus?

Belarus does not have one nationwide quitline, but you can get help to stop smoking. The Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health in Minsk lists 8-017-289-80-34 for consultation on tobacco dependence. People elsewhere in the country can also contact the narcology clinic in their region, which the Ministry of Health operates in every regional centre.

Source: РНПЦ психического здоровья — Лечение табакокурения , Министерство здравоохранения Республики Беларусь

How much does the call cost, and is the help free?

The number 8-017-289-80-34 uses the Minsk area code 017, so it is an ordinary Minsk landline, not a toll-free 0-800 line. You pay the normal rate for a call to a Minsk number, which depends on your operator. At the Center itself, consultations and medication for treating tobacco dependence are provided to patients free of charge.

Source: РНПЦ психического здоровья — Лечение табакокурения , ГУ «Республиканский научно-практический центр психического здоровья»

What kind of support is offered?

The Center treats nicotine dependence as a chronic condition and offers both consultation and treatment. Support includes individual, group and telephone counselling based on behavioural and cognitive methods, together with medication such as nicotine replacement therapy or prescription drugs where suitable. Specialists help you prepare a quit attempt and stay smoke-free.

Source: РНПЦ психического здоровья — Лечение табакокурения

Who runs the service and where is it?

The number belongs to the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health (РНПЦ психического здоровья), a state institution in Minsk at Dolginovsky tract 152. It provides consultative psychiatric, narcological and psychological care, including treatment of tobacco dependence. The Belarusian Ministry of Health publishes a list of clinics across the country that treat tobacco dependence.

Source: ГУ «Республиканский научно-практический центр психического здоровья» , Министерство здравоохранения Республики Беларусь

What languages and hours can I expect?

Staff respond in Russian and Belarusian, the two state languages of Belarus. The consultative outpatient department works on weekdays during daytime business hours, so it is best to call on a working day. If you cannot reach the line, the Ministry of Health lists tobacco-dependence clinics in every region you can contact instead.

Source: ГУ «Республиканский научно-практический центр психического здоровья» , Министерство здравоохранения Республики Беларусь