Kick the habit with Vachira Phuket Hospital’s “No Tobacco Day’ event

PHUKET: Vachira Phuket Hospital is holding a “No Tobacco Day” event today to provide advice and strategies for island smokers who want to kick the habit.

“The event takes place from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Staff will offer advice to those who want to quit smoking,” Vachira Phuket Hospital Director Jessada Chungpaibulpatana told the Phuket Gazette.

“Staff from our International Department will be on hand to help any foreigners who wish to attend. We will also be offering free blood-sugar and blood-pressure checks.”

Dr Jessada urges smokers to be aware of the effects smoking has on their health and the health of others.

“Smoking can lead to serious health problems, such as strokes, paralysis, heart failure and cancer,” Dr Jessada said.

“It is your right to smoke, and I cannot stop you. But please be aware that you are not just harming yourself; non-smokers can sometimes suffer even more from inhaling secondhand smoke.”

The event held at the hospital today is to support the World Health Organization (WHO) in their call for countries to raise tobacco taxes and to encourage users to quit, said Dr Jessada.

“Raising taxes can prevent new smokers from picking up the habit, while also encouraging long-time users to stop,” he explained.

The Ministry of Public Health has publicly voiced its support for WHO through its own campaign – dubbed “Tobacco: Increase tax, decrease smokers” – which aims to deter the nearly 12 million Thai nationals from smoking, reported The Nation (story here).

— Chutharat Plerin