Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has revealed over 400 patients have registered at the Smoking Cessation Clinic.
While 404 patients have registered in the smoking cessation clinic opened on April this year, 200 patients were given counselling with 42 patients successfully completing the programme, according to IGMH. Meanwhile, IGMH stated 30 patients are still in medication to stop smoking completely.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine Dr. Mohamed Ismail stated the clinic will provide information on harmful diseases spread through smoking and give professional counselling on how to completely stop smoking. Dr. Mohamed Ismail said among the top reasons why patients seek medical assistance to stop smoking are family pressure, friends pressure and the increase in cigarette prices. Moreover, the doctor expressed positive changes are seen in the awareness percentage among people.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Health Protection Agency (HPA) Hassan Mohamed said individual responsibility must be put forth if one seeks to stop smoking.
IGMH introduced a tobacco cessation clinic to assist individuals aiming to stop the consumption of tobacco.