Anti-tobacco clinic draws smokers in good number

A newly-opened anti-tobacco clinic has been receiving between 20 and 25 people a month, who are seeking guidance on overcoming the addiction to smoking, the clinic’s in-charge has said. 

The anti-tobacco clinic at the Interior Ministry’s Health Centre is attracting smokers, who are seeking help to kick the habit. 

Clinic incharge Dr Salih Abdelwahab Suleiman said that since the clinic’s opening in August, scores of people had been visiting it.

“We are already receiving between 20 and 25 people every month, with the figure going up steadily. Most of those who have come are very serious about giving up the killer addiction and are willing to undergo course in counselling and awareness,” Dr Suleiman was quoted as telling Interior Ministry’s Publication Al Amn. 

“Of the 30 people undergoing the de-addition programme at the facility, five have already quit smoking,” he said. “This is highly encouraging and we hope more will soon follow.” 

“The message that there is a special clinic in operation will travel by word of mouth and through our own efforts to generate awareness and we are looking forward to an influx in coming months,” Dr Suleiman said.

“Every year, six million smokers die globally of ailments related to tobacco use and 600,000 of them are passive smokers. Passive smokers are at as much risk as to most of the diseases that a smoker can get. This includes heart attacks and asthma among others,” he added.