The UAE ministry of health (MoH) to open two more smoking cessation clinics in Fujairah and Ajman.

Dr Ali Shaker, under-secretary, ministry of health and Hatem Hammad, Novartis Consumer Health  business unit head for the GCC, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Dr Wedad Al Maidoor, head of the smoking cessation committee, MOH and Dr Muna Al Kuwari, director of central primary health, MOH.

The MoU provides a comprehensive framework for greater co-operation between the MOH and Novartis Consumer Health to reduce smoking among adults in the UAE.

“This is another step in the plan to control the smoking epidemic that has spread across the UAE,” said Dr Shaker. “By providing the public with adequate support and easy access to treatment, we hope to encourage smokers to improve their quality of life by giving up smoking,” he added.

These clinics are the next phase in the ministry’s expansion plans to establish clinics across the UAE. The MOH currently operates clinics in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah that provide smokers with support and mentoring from qualified medical professionals.

All smokers are encouraged to visit the clinics for a free checkup. UAE nationals can also receive free treatment for kicking the habit.

“At the cessation clinics we provide smokers with the relevant means to assist them in their plight to quit. With the new clinics in Fujairah and Ajman we are reaching out to the other emirates to ensure everyone benefits from our smoking cessation programmes,” added Hammad.-TradeArabia News Service