The Primary Health Care Corp (PHCC) has said it is providing smoking cessation clinics in 11 of its affiliated health centres, namely Al Gharafa, Mesaimeer, Omar Bin Al Khattab, Al Daayen, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, Rawdat Al Khail, Al Ruwais, Leabaib, Al Wakra, Qatar University and Al Waab.
This came within the framework of the participation of PHCC, the World Health Organisation and its partners, to mark the World No Tobacco Day on Monday (May 31).
PHCC said that the service in the clinic is based on two parts: Behavioural -- by helping the smoker to stay away from the habit, especially in the beginning of treatment, and to adopt a healthy lifestyle with exercise. Medication -- to help the smoker to kick nicotine dependency.
PHCC urged everyone who wants to quit smoking to call 107 to book appointment for smoking cessation clinic.
It added that cigarette smoking is a major cause of diseases and deaths.
Most smoking-related mortality is due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke increases a person's risk of disease and death.
Smoking is also associated with many other non-fatal diseases and problems, including osteoporosis, skin wrinkling, peptic ulcer disease, impotence, and pregnancy complications.
PHCC said that quitting smoking has significant and immediate health benefits for men and women of all ages.
The sooner one quits smoking, the greater the benefits.
People who quit smoking before the age of 50 reduce their risk of dying in the next 15 years by half, compared to those who continue to smoke.