United Arab Emirates, Dubai, June 14, 2012: The Dubai Health Authority announced today that it has launched a smoking-cessation helpline.
The 24-hour toll-free number 800-123-QUIT (7848), launched in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline will guide smokers on how they can quit smoking.
Hi Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Kalban, CEO Of Primary Healthcare Sector at the DHA said: “The implementation of the ‘quit smoking line’, is as per the directives of His Excellency Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid Director General of Dubai Health Authority and is part of the overall Tobacco-Free Dubai project.”
Dr Ahmed bin Kalban said that this service is a unique service and that it offers a good opportunity for smokers to raise their queries and concerns via telephone inquiries and discuss ways to quit smoking. The helpline will also provide smokers with details of all the services available at the DHA smoking cessation clinic, which was set up in Al Twar Centre, two years ago.
Dr. Hanan Obaid, Tobacco-Free Dubai Project Leader and Acting Director of Health Affairs Department, Primary Healthcare Services Sector at the DHA said: “ This initiative is in line with the Tobacco-Free Dubai Project and is as per the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Our aim is to provide smokers with support and guidance on how to quit smoking and this support is now only a phone call away. We assure smokers of their privacy and this may encourage more smokers to come forward and use this service.”
Dr. Ramez Sawiris, Director of Regulatory Department at GlaxoSmithKline said: “ The cooperation of government agencies and non-governmental organizations to combat smoking is vital and we are pleased to be part of this unique initiative.”
The launch of the helpline coincided with World No Tobacco Day and the event took place at Dubai Mall. Healthcare professionals distributed brochures and leaflets on smoking cessation and carbon monoxide levels of smokers were assessed as part of the screening campaign.