KUWAIT CITY, May 6: The Ministry of Health has launched the ‘quit smoking assistance’ service in seven primary healthcare centers in various health districts, reports Al-Rai daily. In a press statement, the ministry explained this service is in line with its commitment to provide the relevant services and on the occasion of the International No Smoking Day which falls on May 31 annually. The ministry said this is part of services offered by non-communicable chronic diseases clinics; indicating this is through the coordinated efforts of the Central Administration of Primary Health Care, National Program for Smoking Control, and Permanent Committee for Combating Chronic Diseases.

The ministry disclosed the centers which offer the service include Abdullah Abdul Hadi, Ali Thunayan Al-Ghanim and Abdul Rahman Abdul-Mughni health centers in the Capital Health District; Al-Rabiah Health Center in Farwaniya; Al-Rumaithiya Health Center in Hawally; Al-Ayyoun Health Center in Jahra and Al-Dhahr Center in Ahmadi under the supervision of doctors who passed the training program for the treatment of nicotine addiction conducted by internationally approved bodies to help those wishing to quit smoking. The ministry stated that this service is being offered according to the latest international protocols within the work schedule of the above-mentioned health centers – one day every week, while unveiling its plan to expand the service through the allocation of additional health centers soon.