The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a 300% spike in the number of people who wish to quit smoking, Dr Jamal Bashi, smoking cessation specialist at Hamad Medical Corporation's Tobacco Control Center told Qatar TV Monday.
"If before Covid-19, around 1,000 smokers used to approach the smoking cessation clinics a month to seek help to quit, after the outbreak the number went up to around 3,000 a month," he explained.
"Many smokers started to realise they are vulnerable as the Covid-19 infection showed more severe symptoms in smokers.
"The increased demand has made the center expand its capacity and continue to offer consultations and assistance for these people remotely through telephone calls, and deliver the necessary medications at home.
"The center offers its service partially to completely free and uses sophisticated technology and treatment methods, including behavioural therapy, from highly specialised experts," Dr Bashi added.
"Many smokers started to realise they are vulnerable as the Covid-19 infection showed more severe symptoms in smokers.
"The increased demand has made the center expand its capacity and continue to offer consultations and assistance for these people remotely through telephone calls, and deliver the necessary medications at home.
"The center offers its service partially to completely free and uses sophisticated technology and treatment methods, including behavioural therapy, from highly specialised experts," Dr Bashi added.