HMC urges tobacco users to take 1st step towards tobacco-free life

Qatar Tribune

3 days ago

Tribune News Network
Doha
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) on Saturday joined the world in observing World No Tobacco Day, held annually on May 31. HMC is committed to supporting the health and well-being of the community by providing accessible and effective tobacco cessation services. On World No Tobacco Day 2025, HMC has urged all tobacco users to take the first step towards a tobacco-free life.
Dr Ahmad Al Mulla, director of Tobacco Control Center, a WHO Collaborating Center at HMC, stated, 'World No Tobacco Day provides an important platform to highlight the dangers of tobacco use and the importance of supporting tobacco users to quit the habit.
'Tobacco use remains a significant public health concern in Qatar. While prevalence rates have seen some decline, continued efforts are crucial,' he said. 'According to the most recent figures, approximately 25 percent adults in Qatar are current tobacco users. This underscores the need for accessible and effective cessation services.'
Dr Al Mulla said it is important to note that the dangers of tobacco extend beyond traditional cigarettes and examine the harmful effects of other tobacco products including:
 E-cigarettes and Vaping Devices: These electronic devices deliver nicotine, with harmful cancer-causing additives and flavourings, and are particularly popular among youth.
 Heated Tobacco Products: These products heat tobacco to produce an inhalable aerosol, but are not risk-free.
 Nicotine pouches: These products contain nicotine in varying amounts, flavourings and other ingredients and are placed in the mouth. They are available in a variety of flavors and are marketed as safe and of reduced harm.
 Smokeless Tobacco: Products like chewing tobacco, snuff, and snus are placed in the mouth and absorbed, and can cause oral cancer and other health problems.
 Waterpipe (Shisha, Hookah): Often perceived as less harmful, waterpipe smoking involves inhaling smoke through water, and carries significant health risks.
HMC's Tobacco Cessation Clinics play a vital role in supporting individuals who want to quit. The clinics offer a comprehensive range of services, including:
 Individualized Counseling: Tailored support from trained specialists to address the specific needs of each person.
 Medical Assessment: Evaluation of health status and any tobacco-related conditions.
 Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Provision of NRT products (e.g., patches, lozenges) to manage and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
 Medication Therapy: Prescription of non-nicotine medications, when appropriate, to aid in quitting.
 Follow-up Support and education resources: Ongoing monitoring and encouragement to help individuals maintain their tobacco-free status.
'Quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do for their health,' said Dr Al Mulla. 'At HMC's Tobacco Cessation Clinics, we provide evidence-based treatments and compassionate support to help people overcome their addiction and live healthier tobacco-free lives. We encourage anyone who wants to quit to reach out to us. We are here to help.'
How to Get HelpcTracking:>
Individuals seeking support to quit tobacco use can contact the HMC Tobacco Cessation Clinics through the following channels:
 Phone: Call or message us on 5080 0959/4025 4981or call Nesma'ak on 16060
 Primary Health Care Centers: Referrals can be made through primary health care centres.