Tobacco Cessation Clinic established in collaboration with WHO, Ministry of NHSRC and The Diabetes Center Islamabad
National and International Collaboration emerges to open Tobacco Cessation Clinic in collaboration Health Ministry, TDC and WHOThe Diabetes Centre (TDC) opened Tobacco Cessation Clinic in a graceful ceremony held on May 29, 2021, making combined efforts with Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, Government of Pakistan, (NHSRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) against tobacco use TDC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the WHO, has already achieved the status of a tobacco-free zone last year.
Dr. Samra Mazhar, Head Tobacco Control Cell, MoNHSRC appreciated the collaboration with TDC and WHO resulting in Tobacco Cessation Clinic which will strengthen the WHO’s theme of World No Tobacco Day 2021 “Commit to Quit”.
She further added that the WHO’s Secretariat of FCTC has recognized the Smoke Free Islamabad Project internationally through displaying the snapshot of SF Rose & Jasmin Public Park at title page of its annual report. As Pakistan is applauded for implementing the “M” measures (monitoring of tobacco use policies) in the MPOWER package to the highest level.
Tahir M. Abbasi, CEO TDC, stated that the Clinic would provide tobacco eradication services along with raising awareness of the dangers of tobacco use, and its negative impact on the nation’s economy and environment.
Dr. Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala, WHO Representative in Pakistan, was the chief guest who appreciated TDC’s efforts for implementing regulations of smoke free zone in full letter and spirit and for establishing Tobacco Cessation Clinic to stop people from indulging in risky behaviors like smoking.
He added that WHO will continue to provide its support to TDC’s Tobacco Cessation Clinic.Other notables included Shahzad Alam Khan, WHO’s National Professional for NCDs and Tobacco Control; Muhammad Aftab Ahmad, Project Manager, Tobacco Smoke-free Capital Project, M/o NHSRC; and Khurram Hashmi, Technical Advisor, The Union.
Chairman TDC Board of Directors Dr. Asjad Hameed told audience that tobacco smokers are 30% to 40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than nonsmokers.
He added that the use of tobacco could also make it harder to manage diabetes and its related complications because high levels of nicotine may reduce the effectiveness of insulin.
TDC, WHO and Ministry of health officials resolved on this occasion to keep working together for a long-term to lower the burden of diseases related to tobacco-use.
