MANILA, Philippines — The establishment of smoking cessation clinics is being encouraged to help people who have difficulty quitting smoking. A smoking cessation clinic seeks to help those who want to quit smoking through free counseling and lifestyle change tips.

The Department of Health (DoH) is urging schools, public and private establishments nationwide to set up the clinics. It is coordinating with local government units (LGUs) for the establishment of clinics in strategic localities; the aim is one clinic in each city or town. Under the law, the DoH is required to establish “withdrawal clinics” in all its offices, attached agencies, retained hospitals and health facilities, permanent or temporary, fixed or mobile units.

The Metro Manila Development Authority has set up a smoking cessation clinic inside its main office to provide free counseling and lifestyle change tips for those who want to quit smoking. The Makati City government offers advice to people who want to quit smoking, in clinic inside the city hall.

In Cagayan de Oro, a hospital opened a cessation clinic after the formation of the Regional Tobacco Control Network, a core of anti-smoking advocates from the Church, academe and non-governmental groups. In San Fernando City, Pampanga, the city government allocated R2 million for a clinic in the City Health Office.

The use of tobacco continues to be a major cause of health problems worldwide. In the Philippines, various sectors are contributing their share in the anti-smoking drive, including the establishment of more clinics to promote health and wellness among smokers.