“A total of 70 Abu Dhabi Police staff members quit smoking permanently, out of 300 smokers who consulted the smoking cessation clinic,” reported Major Dr. Tarek Al Junaybi, Head of the Health Education Section at the Medical Services Department.
The clinic, the first of its kind across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is implementing a series of programs to help smokers quit smoking, by acquainting them with its dangers and ill effects on health. He indicated that the clinic provides the appropriate medicines, consultancy, medical advice, and necessary health care for individuals wishing to quit smoking. In the same context, the Medical Services Department is implementing an awareness program for citizens and residents on the dangers of smoking, to encourage smokers to give up smoking. The program includes educational seminars and lectures during sports activities and in malls.
Moreover, Major Dr. Tarek Al Junaybi noted that the Medical Services Department participated in the World No Tobacco Day’s activities by acquainting individuals with Asthma, and means to give up smoking through various events and educational activities to reduce tobacco use among Abu Dhabi Police staff and community members. He assured that Abu Dhabi Police is a pioneer in fighting tobacco use through educational campaigns across all departments, by organizing seminars and distributing brochures.
Dr. Ahmad Fathi, Head of the Clinic, revealed that the follow up and treatment for those who wish to quit smoking permanently is 3 months. He added: “In case of recurrence, the patient is submitted to extensive follow up and care to help him overcome this stage.”
He counted the various diseases caused by smoking such as gingivitis, muscles injuries, angina, neck and back pain, unintentional and abnormal eye movement, parasitic infections of the eyes, infection of the bones and joints, and disorders of the immune system. He also noted that smoking causes dangerous and deadly diseases like anal, liver, prostate and lungs cancer, heart diseases and brain strokes, of which smoking is considered to be the primary cause.
He mentioned that the clinic endeavors to develop and enhance its services for patients, and to welcome as many patients wishing to quit smoking.
The Medical Services Department had implemented lately an awareness campaign to acquaint Abu Dhabi Police GHQ staff with the risks of smoking. Brochures were distributed and educational lectures were organized as part of this campaign to help curb this harmful habit.