Specialists at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)’s Tobacco Control Centre are advising smokers to quit the harmful habit, saying that all forms of smoking can reduce the respiratory system’s ability to fight viral and bacterial infections.

Dr Ahmad al-Mulla, head of HMCs Tobacco Control Centre, said the centre will continue to offer support to those who want to quit smoking by providing telephone-based consultations and treatment.

Dr al-Mulla explained that residents seeking support to quit smoking can call 4025 4981 or 5080 0959 to book an appointment. He said patients will be called by one of the centre’s doctors who will conduct an assessment to determine the patient’s level of nicotine dependence. From there, the doctor will develop a treatment plan and may prescribe medication that can be collected from one of HMC’s pharmacies using the automated medication dispensing system.

Dr al-Mulla said the Covid-19 pandemic has forced most people to change their daily routine by affecting their ability to go to work, school or the mosque, and even how they greet each other. He said while it can be a stressful period for many people, it is also an opportunity to quit the harmful habit of smoking, which can negatively impact a person’s health, both in the short and long term.

Dr Jamal Abdullah, smoking cessation specialist at HMCs Tobacco Control Centre, said all forms of smoking weaken the respiratory system’s natural defence mechanism and make smokers more vulnerable to viral infections.

Dr Abdullah added that smoking is also considered a risk factor for many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

It has been observed in China that a large number of reported deaths related to Covid-19 were in people with these chronic diseases.

Dr Abdullah urged all smokers to quit the unhealthy habit to experience the benefits of smoking cessation and to boost their immunity against viral infections. (QNA)