Ramadan provides an opportune time to quit smoking, says HMC expert
16 Apr 2021 - 10:33
The Peninsula
Head of the Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Tobacco Control Center, Dr. Ahmad Al Mulla (pictured), has said that Ramadan is an opportune time to quit smoking.
According to Dr. Al Mulla, fasting has a lot of positive effects on one’s health, and those benefits are especially prominent in tobacco users who give up smoking.
“For smokers, quitting is often easier during Ramadan as those who fast are already required to abstain from food and drink, as well as from smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products, from dawn to sunset,” said Dr. Al Mulla.
HMC participates in WHO virtual session on smoking cessation
14 Mar 2021 - 8:30
Dr. Ahmad Al Mulla during virtual session on smoking cessation held by the WHO.
The Peninsula
Doha: The Tobacco Control Center at Hamad Medical Corporation participated in a virtual session held by the World Heath Organization recently to discuss the cost coverage of treating the effects of smoking, especially the cost of consultations, visits and treatment. The session is part of the activities prepared by WHO to celebrate the international day for smoking cessation 2021 under the slogan: “Commit to Smoking Cessation”.
The session discussed the primary role of health or social insurance companies to cover the costs of consultations and to provide treatment for smokers. Experts from WHO in Geneva participated in the session along with an expert from New Zealand.
HMC Tobacco Control Center warns of cancer due to smoking
07 Feb 2021 - 15:09
The Peninsula
Doha: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Tobacco Control Center issued a warning of cancer due to tobacco smoking on the occasion of the World Cancer awareness day, which is internationally celebrated on 4th February every year and aims to raise worldwide awareness on cancer.
Dr Ahmad Al Mulla, Head of HMC Tobacco Control Center, explained that tobacco smoking is a major cause of certain types of cancer and a minor cause of other types of the disease. He stated that non-smoking individuals who are repeatedly exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke (negative smokers) are also susceptible to cancer. Tobacco smoking by women during pregnancy can lead to genetic disorders and even Leukaemia in babies, Dr Al Mulla warned.
Tobacco Control Center attends WHO session on shisha use
04 Feb 2021 - 8:08
The Peninsula
The Tobacco Control Center of Hamad Medical Corporation recently participated in a virtual session held by WHO recently. Participants stressed the importance of sustaining the ban of shisha in public places to protect the public and to achieve a reduction of 30% of smoking tobacco by 2025.
The session discussed the importance of establishing policies that prohibit smoking and the use of tobacco during COVID-19. Participants exchanged international views on approving effective methods and steps to control tobacco during COVID-19 and to establish an appropriate plan for members of the Middle East and North Africa countries, regarding the prohibition of smoking shisha in public places in the future.
Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Tobacco Control Center has opened a new smoking cessation clinic at Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital (HMGH) under its strategic plan to provide smoking cessation services across Qatar.
The launch of the new clinic signifies a key milestone for the center in its expansion journey, after the opening of a smoking cessation clinic at Al Wakra Hospital last year.
The dedicated clinic will provide services on Mondays only for now. However, there are plans to expand clinic hours based on the demand in future.
Citizens and residents can book appointments at the clinic by calling: 40240708 or by referral from HMC physicians or Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCC).