doha • Qatargas has donated a laser device, used in helping people to quit smoking, to Al Khor hospital. The laser therapy for smoking discontinuation involves pointing the laser beam at specific points in the body. It is similar to treatment in acupuncture, but without the use of needles. During a brief ceremony organized at the hospital's main building, Ghanim Al Kuwari, Chief Operating Officer, Administration of Qatargas, formally handed over the unit to Dr Hani Al Kilani, Chief of Staff, Al Khor Hospital. Also present were Fred Guirguis, Qatargas Head of Safety, Dr. Maher Sweidan, Senior Medical Doctor, Qatargas and Dr Ahmad Al Mulla, Director, Stop Smoking Clinic, Hamad Medical Corporation. Speaking on this occasion, Al Kuwari said; "Qatargas is very pleased to join hands with Al Khor hospital as part of our stop smoking campaign. Smoking is a serious threat to people's health and joint efforts are needed to help people quit this habit and also educate them about its harmful effects on the health of the individual and the society in general. Qatargas places the highest importance on safety, health and the environment and has many programs in place to improve the health and safety of employees and contractors." On his part, Dr Hani said; "We greatly appreciate this initiative by Qatargas. Smoking causes many serious health problems like diseases of the heart and lungs and also stroke. Smoking is a major health concern among the population and all efforts must be made to combat this problem." The laser therapy treatment is conducted over two to three sessions on consecutive days followed by a fourth one four to six weeks later. Generally the treatment session lasts about 30 minutes in which the first 15 minutes go in filling patient records, monitoring the smokers' CO levels and a counseling session. The Peninsula

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