Al-Zafiri to Al-Anba: Health Ministry to soon open smoking cessation clinics in hospitals

Dr. Aziz Al-Dhafiri, Head of the Internal Medicine Department at Al-Jahra Hospital and member of the Supreme National Committee for Combating Smoking at the Ministry of Health, stated that the smoking cessation campaign implemented by the Ministry of Health, under the auspices of the Supreme National Committee for Combating Smoking, is part of national efforts aimed at raising community awareness of the health risks associated with smoking and curbing its spread among various segments of society, with a particular focus on adolescents, given the direct threat smoking poses to their health and future.

In a statement to "Al-Anbaa," Dr. Al-Dhafiri clarified that the campaign aims to highlight the serious health consequences of smoking, both for smokers and non-smokers, while drawing attention to its long-term complications, which include cardiovascular diseases, strokes, respiratory illnesses, and various types of cancer.

He emphasized that passive smoking is no less dangerous than active smoking, noting that studies have shown the risk of breast cancer among women married to smokers is twice as high as that among women married to non-smokers. He added that inhaling smoke from smokers poses a real danger to those around them, explaining that every four cigarettes smoked by a smoker is equivalent to a non-smoker nearby being exposed to approximately one cigarette. This underscores the necessity of avoiding smoking in public areas and adhering to designated smoking zones to protect the health of others.

Furthermore, he noted that results from the Global Tobacco Survey conducted among school students aged 13 to 15 in Kuwait revealed alarming indicators. The findings showed that out of every 100 students, approximately five smoke traditional cigarettes, while 14 use electronic cigarettes. Dr. Al-Dhafiri affirmed that these figures serve as a genuine warning regarding the chronic diseases these youths may face in the future, especially given the emerging trend of heart and brain strokes occurring in individuals aged 20 to 30 due to early exposure to smoking.

Dr. Al-Dhafiri stressed that electronic cigarettes are not a safe alternative, as some believe, but rather carry proven health risks. He affirmed that the optimal solution lies in completely quitting all tobacco products and derivatives without exception.

He pointed out that, under the directives of Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi, the Deputy Minister of Health, and the Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs, the Ministry has expanded its smoking cessation services by opening approximately 35 specialized clinics in primary healthcare centers across various health regions. These clinics offer comprehensive treatment programs, including medical consultations, approved pharmacological alternatives, and necessary support to help smokers quit.

He also revealed the Ministry of Health’s plans to soon open smoking cessation clinics within hospitals, particularly in internal medicine, respiratory diseases, and cardiology departments, aiming to broaden the scope of treatment services and reach the largest possible number of smokers, thereby helping to curb this phenomenon and reduce the associated health and economic burdens.

Dr. Al-Dhafiri called on parents to monitor their children and enhance their awareness of the dangers of smoking, especially during adolescence. He emphasized that prevention begins at home and that protecting future generations from this scourge is a shared responsibility requiring the cooperation of all members of society.