Smoking cessation is not only a guarantee of protection of human health but also helps to make the city a tobacco smoke free city. The district administration of Sialkot is committed to make Sialkot a tobacco free city, These views were expressed by Sheikh Zohaib Rafiq Sethi, Senior Vice President, Sialkot Chamber of Commerce at the inauguration of the first “Smoking Cessation Clinic” in Sialkot.
Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, District Administration Sialkot, Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC) Government of Pakistan, World Health Organization and Sardar Begum Hospital Sialkot Administration jointly established first “Smoking Cessation Clinic” in Sialkot.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Aftab Ahmed, Project Manager, NHSRC, said that more than 160,000 people in Pakistan die every year due to smoking and 1200 Pakistani children between the ages of 5 and 15 years start smoking everyday which is an alarming situation.
The Government of Pakistan has to not only block the way of newcomers but also help the smokers to get rid of this menace, Smoking Cessation Clinic is a very good initiative of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, District Administration Sialkot.
He further said that the Ministry of NHSRC, in collaboration with the district administration, would continue its efforts to eradicate smoking and make the city smoke free.
The ceremony was held at Sardar Begum Hospital. Dr. Hammad, In-charge Smoking Cessation Clinic and Sardar Begum Hospital management welcomed the special guests Mr. Sheikh Zohaib Rafiq Sethi Senior Vice President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Muhammad Aftab Ahmed Project Manager Tobacco Smoke Free Cities Ministry of NHSRC.
Sheikh Zohaib Rafiq Sethi inaugurated the Smoking Cessation Clinic and also visited its wards. Muhammad Shehzad Ahmed, District Coordinator, Tobacco Control Cell Sialkot, informed that the Ministry of NHSRC will also provide training to the doctors of Sardar Begum Hospital on smoking cessation.