HMC Centre's role in helping smokers kick habit highlighted

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has urged tobacco users to take the first step towards a healthier life by accessing the services of its innovative Tobacco Control Centre (TCC), a WHO Collaborating Centre.According to Dr Ahmad al-Mulla, director, TCC, access to timely and effective tobacco cessation services can significantly improve a person's quality of life, both in the short and long term."The HMC TCC offers a range of services to help you quit tobacco in all its forms, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine pouches,” according to Dr al-Mulla. "Our expert team is dedicated to supporting your journey to a healthier you, utilising a range of state-of-the-art techniques to help you quit."Tobacco use is not just cigarettes and we are seeing an increase in use of vapes and nicotine pouches among other devices," he said."While traditional cigarettes and shisha use remain a major health concern, it's crucial to recognise the growing threat posed by newer tobacco products like e-cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine pouches."These products often contain harmful chemicals and addictive substances that can lead to serious health issues, including lung disease, heart problems, and cancer. It is essential to dispel the misconception that these alternatives are safer. The science is clear: any form of tobacco use carries significant risks," Dr al-Mulla added.HMC’s tobacco cessation services are free to access for citizens and residents. The TCC’s treatment programmes primarily rely on a combination of counselling, behavioural therapy and medication as parts of a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient.Quitting tobacco can lead to almost immediate and noticeable health benefits such as improved body function; reduced risk of heart disease; enhanced sense of taste and smell and elevated energy Levels.In addition to TCC at Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City, there are quit smoking clinics located at Hamad General Hospital’s outpatients Department, Al Wakra Hospital, Al Khor Hospital and Hazm Mebeireek General Hospital.