Achievements in Tobacco Control Showcased at Central Municipal Council Meeting

According to the Gulf Times, on January 21, during a meeting of the Central Municipal Council in Qatar, a team from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) was invited to showcase their significant achievements in tobacco control. This included their work at the Tobacco Control Centre and the "Smoke-Free Parliament Hall" initiative, which aims to further the hospital's efforts in the fight against smoking.

The team is led by Dr. Ahmed Mohammed al-Mulla, Director of the Tobacco Control Center at Hamad Medical Corporation, a center that has been certified by the World Health Organization. Other members of their team include Dr. Maha al-Muhannadi, Dr. Jamal Basehi, and Noor El Nakib. At a meeting with the municipal council, they discussed ways to enhance the effectiveness of anti-smoking efforts and support the "Smoke-Free Parliament Hall" initiative through collaboration with the local government.

The "Building a Smoke-Free Parliament Hall" initiative was carried out under the auspices of the Central Municipal Council, with the aim of discussing how the country can address the issue of smoking. Dr. Murad, on behalf of the Hamad Medical Corporation, presented the council members and secretariat with an overview of Hamad Hospital's experience in smoking control, as well as the vision, treatment methods, and facilities provided by the Tobacco Control Center. He also provided statistical data on the harmful effects of global smoking on society and discussed the health benefits of quitting smoking.

Dr. Mura further highlighted that over 25.2% of adults aged 18 and above in the country are daily tobacco users, emphasizing the need for the Tobacco Control Center to launch more promotional campaigns. He underscored that tobacco control services are the result of collaborative efforts within the community. The center introduced smoking cessation services for the first time in 1999 and became the country's first to receive the World Health Organization's tobacco control certification in 2017.

The Chairperson of the Central City Government expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Hamad Medical Corporation Tobacco Control Center. Members of the City Government also indicated their willingness to support the "Smoke-Free Parliament Hall" initiative. The President further awarded a commemorative plaque, in recognition of the center's contributions to the smoking control efforts.