UAE to unify anti-smoking clinics

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FIKRY: It is time to put in place a system that will improve the performance of the UAE's anti-smoking clinics.

The Ministry of Health has outlined its plans to unify smoking clinis across the UAE.

In a briefing to medical professionals, the ministry outlined the system and nationwide guidelines that it will implement in an effort to improve the clinics' services and streamline processes.

"The clinics have been successful in terms of providing the public with the right support and tools to assist smoking cessation; now it is time to put into operation an integrated system that will enhance the clinics' performance," explained Dr Mahmoud Fikry, assistant under-secretary for preventive medicine, Ministry of Health.

The clinics, set up by the Ministry of Health and Novartis Consumer Health, currently provide smokers with therapy and guidance to quit the smoking habit.

Dr. Ahmed Abdulla, specialist and head of smoking cessation unit, conducted a training session on how to operate smoking cessation clinics effectively. He also conducted a seminar on nicotine addiction and treatment patterns used in the clinics.

"As medical professionals, we know that nicotine addiction, as with any addiction, is not easy to tackle. Understanding the dependence helps us tackle sensitive issues that may otherwise be overlooked. Treatment should not only include physical therapy, but must also consider the emotional aspects. This way we can offer a more comprehensive solution," said Dr. Abdulla.

There are currently six clinics in operation across the UAE, in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujariah and Dubai.

Novartis' Nicotinell gum and patches are available at all the clinics and are offered free of charge to UAE nationals who enter the smoking cessation programme.

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