DTCM initiates quit smoking plan for staff

The initiative was pioneered by Human Resources Department of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing for the benefit of the employees and the public, as well as to mark the "World No Tobacco Day".

In relation to the programme and in an effort to educate their staff and the public, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing also gave a special presentation under the theme ‘Smoking and its Harmful Effects’.

The department also announced its decision to sponsor a quit smoking programme to support employees who are keen on getting rid of the habit.

Tobacco dependence has become a real public health hazard with the World Health Organisation estimating 1.1 billion smokers worldwide.

Cigarettes contain lethal carcinogenic compounds leading to coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer and respiratory problems. Female smokers run the additional risk of infertility and birth disorders. Both women and children can suffer due to the impact of long-time passive smoking.

Dr Layla Al Marzouqi, a cardiologist at Dubai Hospital's Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Centre, highlighted the dangers of smoking and the different ways on how a smoker could overcome the addiction.

Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing's anti-smoking campaign included a film about the dangers of smoking, booklets on smoking hazards, and a machine was made available to measure the extent of poison and damage caused by smoking.