JEDDAH, 31 May 2008 — Jeddah National Hospital (JNH) has offered a cash award of SR5,000 to the first 200 Saudis and expatriates who quit smoking within the next two years. “We have allocated SR1 million for this purpose,” V.P. Mohammed Ali, managing director of the hospital, said.
He was speaking at a medical seminar organized by the Indian Islahi Center in Jeddah to mark the World Anti-Tobacco Day, which falls today.
“I hope more businessmen and philanthropists would join this program to encourage the public to get rid of this unhealthy habit,” Ali said.
He said he had received tremendous response from the public after the announcement. A Saudi, who quit smoking as a result of the program, said it had brought about marvelous changes in his life.
Ali, a former smoker, said he introduced the program after realizing the harmful social, economic and health effects of smoking, which is considered a slow killer and main reason for many diseases including cancer and heart ailments.
A Keralite business executive, Ali first launched the program in his home state, offering Rs1,000 to those ready to quit smoking once and for all. “It was very successful,” he told Arab News.
Smokers who wanted to quit the dangerous habit and win the award can log on to JNH website (www.jeddahnationalhospital.com) for registration. They should also produce witnesses to prove their claim.
“Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits for you and your loved ones,” Ali said. “It will also increase one’s life span, God willing,” he added.
JNH announced the cash award as part of its efforts to motivate and educate its staff and patients. “The Saudi who quit smoking told me that he was very happy now because it improved his family life.”
The JNH chief also spoke about his hospital’s plan to provide health insurance cover to expatriates who work under individual sponsors. Three categories of services are offered for premiums ranging between SR700 to SR1,200 including treatment at super specialty hospitals.
Dr. Jiju Jacob of Taj Polyclinic said tobacco smoke contains nearly 4,000 poisonous chemicals and other ingredients including nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide. “It’s the main cause of different types of cancers,” he added.
“The mixture of nicotine and carbon monoxide in each cigarette you smoke temporarily increases your heartbeat rate and blood pressure, straining your heart and blood vessels,” Jacob said while speaking about “Cholesterol, blood pressure and heart diseases.”
Dr. Abdul Jaleel of Badar Tamam Polyclinic spoke on “diabetes” and Dr. Abdullah Moopan of Abeer Medical Center on depression. Dr. Hussein Madawur, general secretary of KNM, gave a lecture on “Islam and protection of health.” Sheikh Muhammad Al-Harithy, supervisor of IIC, opened the event’s third session.
