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Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC urges tobacco users to take 1st step towards tobacco-free life
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.
Qatar Tribune
27-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC highlights tobacco control expertise in Dubai
Tribune News Network Doha On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Dr Ahmad Mohammad Al Mulla, senior consultant in Public Health and Disease Control and director of the Tobacco Control Center at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)—a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Tobacco Dependence Treatment—participated in a workshop organised by Emirates Health Services. The event was held at the Primary Healthcare Department in Dubai on May 26. At the event, HMC showcased the expertise of the Tobacco Control Center and emphasised that Qatar is among one of the first in the region to introduce tobacco cessation services. Dr Al Mulla presented an overview of the efforts undertaken by HMC and the Tobacco Control Center, highlighting key achievements in combating tobacco use in Qatar. He also provided a summary of the tobacco control laws issued by the State and their implementation, while sharing statistics on the prevalence of tobacco use in Qatar and across countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Dr Al Mulla further outlined the economic burden of the tobacco epidemic on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and emphasised the pivotal role of the Tobacco Control Center in reducing tobacco use through ongoing educational and awareness activities within the community. Dr Al Mulla outlined the free treatment services provided by HMC's Tobacco Control Center's cessation clinics, including the use of medications, nicotine replacement therapies, and laser treatment. He discussed psychological counselling and behavioural modification methods offered to tobacco users, in addition to the types of medical devices used to measure carbon monoxide levels and assess lung function. Dr Al Mulla praised the role of HMC in supporting the Tobacco Control Center by providing free treatments to patients, emphasizing the critical importance of preventive services in reducing the spread of tobacco-related diseases. He also thanked the organisers of the workshop for the opportunity to present the effective role played by HMC in tobacco control and the importance of continued collaboration between HMC, represented by the Tobacco Control Center and Emirates Health Services.
