MOH and Novartis Consumer Health launch Smoking Cessation Clinic in Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah

The project aims at encouraging all smokers to quit the hazardous habit. This is in line with the UAE ministry of health's objective and the strategy of UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in making the UAE environment 100% tobacco-free.

All registered members will be provided with a comprehensive personalized smoking cessation plan, free medical advice and free treatment on how to quit smoking and general physical checkups by the doctors at the beginning of the three month long program. Appropriate and effective treatment is also offered, along with educational awareness material highlighting the negative impact of smoking and the importance of quitting. The goal is to assist smokers in achieving a fresh start towards a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Dr. Mariam Matar, Assistant Under Secretary for Public Health and Primary Health Care at the MOH said, "The objective of establishing this clinic is to provide the necessary services accompanied with educational information and awareness to help smokers who want to quit the habit but do not know how to start off achieving this goal."

She also explained that the global youth Tobacco survey (GYTS) conducted in 2006 all over the country, showed that almost 31% of adolescent students have tried one or more of Tobacco products, while 10% of them are current smokers. This fact, require that MOH is to reach adolescents by awareness raising programs at schools as early as possible.

"We are trying our best to save billions of dollars being spent on diseases caused as a result of smoking. We encourage non - smokers not to give in to peer pressure and not to start smoking. We will do all we can to provide the necessary assistance to smokers by providing adequate support to help them quit and avail the chance for a fresh start. This smoking cessation clinic is an example of our joint efforts with Novartis consumer Health to ensure our objectives."

Mr. Rany Victor, Brand Manager for Novartis Consumer Health said, "We have made sure that the new clinic is very well equipped with the necessary equipment and supervised by professional doctors who will be available five days a week from Sunday to Thursday during the evenings from 5:00 pm till 9:00 pm. The Smoking Cessation Clinic in Ras Al Khaima operates from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm under the supervision of medical consultants."

Mr. Rany from Novartis continued to mention "Smokers are most welcome to register their names and enroll themselves into the program at any of the previously mentioned timings."

Once registered, the client will undergo a series of medical tests. A smokerlyzer is one of the tests performed where the carbon monoxide levels in the smoker's breath is measured and the smoking addiction level is evaluated. The Smokerlyzer has been used as an assessment test for smokers in many previous campaigns held in various malls in the UAE by Novartis and proven successful.

Mr. Unsi Sami was given free Nicotinell patches at a mall event last year and was determined to quit smoking. "It was a bit difficult in the beginning, but with will power, support from my wife and Nicotinell patches, which I got for free from Novartis and bought the rest that was required from the pharmacy, I was able to quit smoking within a few months. I am so happy that I quit. Now I do not feel guilty of harming my wife and my little child because I know even the smell of my smoke used to affect them badly."

More doctors will be dedicated to offering services at the clinic to those in need. Comprehensive training courses will be organized in the near future by the MOH for specifically nominated medical doctors on how to operate special Smoking Cessation Clinics (SCC) in other emirates in order to ensure expansion of this service.