Ministry program helps over 2,000 to quit smoking

Mobile clinics of the Tobacco Control Program (TCP) at the Ministry of Health have played a key role in helping some 2,296 male and female smokers to give up smoking.
Some 9,710 smokers visited mobile clinics, of which 8,575, or 88.3 percent, were female smokers, and the remaining 11.7 percent, or 1,135 were male smokers, said Dr. Ali Al-Wadie, the TCP general supervisor.
On the reasons behind smoking, 68 percent claim peer pressure, 37 percent was attributed to imitation, while tension was the third major reason for smoking at 11 percent.
On the reasons that motivated smokers to quit smoking, health concerns topped other reasons at 59 percent, followed by religious factors (14 percent) and family pressure (13.4 percent).
TCP launched 10 anti-smoking mobile clinics to provide treatment and awareness services run by consultants and specialists. The anti-smoking field clinics are located in Riyadh, Jeddah, the Eastern Province, Makkah, Madinah, Taif, Asir, Najran, Jazan and Jouf.
Kawthar Al-Shidwi, head of media and public relations at the TCP, said there are more than 58 anti-smoking centers throughout the Kingdom. She said they are meant to provide relief to as many smokers as possible at their work sites and break psychological barriers of smokers who are reluctant to approach anti-smoking centers.
Mobile clinics have separate sections for female smokers. They are equipped with female medical teams. They provide integrated services and privacy in dealing with patients, she said.