Doha, May 31 (QNA) - The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has called on smokers to take advantage of the services it offers to help them overcome this harmful habit.

These services are available through smoking cessation clinics located in several of its health centers, which provide modern facilities to assist individuals in gradually quitting tobacco products until they quit completely.

Head of Community Wellness at PHCC, Dr. Abdulhameed Al Khanji emphasized in a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA) the corporation's unwavering commitment to supporting smokers in quitting tobacco in all its forms. He affirmed PHCC's continued efforts to help individuals break this bad habit through comprehensive and specialized health services aimed at promoting community health, particularly protecting them from smoking-related diseases.

Dr. Al Khanji pointed out that the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, which falls on May 31st each year, is an opportunity to reiterate the importance of intensifying efforts to encourage individuals to seek help and visit smoking cessation clinics for comprehensive scientific and medical services. This year's celebration aims to "expose the myths surrounding nicotine addiction and combat addiction."

He stated that the smoking cessation clinics affiliated with the Primary Health Care Corporation provide comprehensive treatment programs based on the latest global medical practices to help smokers quit traditional, electronic, and shisha tobacco, as well as other tobacco products. These services include a comprehensive medical assessment, individual consultations, behavioral and psychological support, and the provision of approved medications and nicotine replacement therapies appropriate for each individual case.

He added that specialized medical teams develop personalized treatment plans that take into account the needs of each patient, with regular follow-ups to assess progress and provide ongoing support to help overcome withdrawal symptoms and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Dr. Al Khanji pointed out that the Primary Health Care Corporation focuses its efforts on raising community awareness about the dangers of smoking and its health, economic, and social consequences. This is achieved through educational campaigns and awareness programs targeting various age groups, especially youth, given the crucial role this stage plays in preventing nicotine addiction.

He outlined the health benefits expected from quitting all forms of smoking, which begin within the first few hours of stopping. Heart and lung function gradually improves, and the risk of cardiovascular diseases, blood clots, strokes, and cancers of the lung, mouth, and throat decreases. Furthermore, the quality of life and overall health of the individual and their family members improve.

He further explained that World No Tobacco Day is a global health event established by the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization in 1987 to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and to promote efforts to reduce its prevalence worldwide.

Dr. Al Khanji stated that this occasion presents an important opportunity to raise awareness about the health risks associated with smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, and to encourage smokers to quit. It also supports health policies aimed at protecting current and future generations from the health, social, and economic consequences of tobacco use.

He reiterated the call to utilize the specialized services offered by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), emphasizing the importance of recognizing that quitting smoking is a crucial step towards a healthier and better life. He added that specialized medical support significantly increases the chances of successfully breaking this harmful habit permanently.

He explained that the PHCC's Community Wellness Department continuously implements a number of campaigns and incentive programs to support smokers in quitting, in addition to field awareness campaigns within primary health centers. These campaigns target patients and visitors to inform them about the services available at PHCC to support those wishing to quit this harmful habit.

He noted that the institution's smoking cessation clinics have achieved tangible results over the past five years, with clinics now operating in 21 health centers and the number increasing to 29, offering smoking cessation services during both morning and evening hours.

These clinics are experiencing increasing demand, providing comprehensive services including behavioral counseling, regular follow-up, and medication when needed, in addition to carbon monoxide testing to further motivate clients, he explained.

Data and statistics have shown encouraging success rates in maintaining abstinence from smoking for extended periods, reflecting the effectiveness of the programs offered and the specialized professional support provided by the institution, he emphasized.

It is worth noting that the World Health Organization warns that tobacco remains one of the leading preventable causes of death globally, causing millions of deaths annually. This makes tobacco control a global health priority requiring the concerted efforts of governments, health institutions, and local communities. (QNA)