Smoking habits in the Community of Madrid continue to show a downward trend. The Deputy Minister of Health, Laura Gutiérrez, highlighted during the inauguration of the 1st Smoke-Free Spaces Conference, held at the La Princesa Public Hospital, that prevention and control policies are yielding results.

The latest statistical indicators confirm a progressive contraction in smoking. Currently, 17.2% of the adult population in Madrid identifies as a regular smoker, with a particularly low incidence in older age groups.

The progress is even more notable among the youth population. Health authorities have described the achievements in this area as highly significant, reaching a historic low: only 2.5% of minors between 15 and 16 years old consume tobacco daily.

The conference also served as a platform to recognize the involvement of Madrid's healthcare organizations in promoting healthy environments. The regional government presented awards to eleven hospitals for their active participation in the Network of Smoke-Free Hospitals, acknowledging their awareness campaigns and compliance with health protection regulations.

The awarded centers include the 12 de Octubre University Hospital, Guadarrama Hospital, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Fuenlabrada University Hospital, La Princesa University Hospital, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Infanta Cristina University Hospital, Rey Juan Carlos University Hospital, Gómez Ulla Central Defense Hospital, and HM Sanchinarro University Hospital.

Through these initiatives, the Ministry of Health aims to solidify the ban on tobacco in essential public infrastructures and promote healthy lifestyles, particularly among young people and vulnerable sectors.