The rise in prices of tobacco products and cigarettes has led many to quit smoking and others have been forced to cut down on consumption of these unhealthy products significantly after the imposition of the 'sin tax' law was announced in the State of Qatar on the first day of 2019.

Qatar Tribune reported that according to shopkeepers, there is a significant decline in the sale of cigarettes as compared to the last year.

“Earlier, we used to run out of cigarettes of certain brands very quickly and receive daily replacement. But, now we hardly sell any of those brands and they last in our stocks for many days.”

Moreover, a report by another Qatar daily The Peninsula cited Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Tobacco Control Center seeing more people wanting to stop smoking as a result of the price hike.

Dr. Ahmad Al Mulla, Head of the HMC Tobacco Control Center, said:

“The number of people who call the Centre’s hotline and those visit the Smoking Cessation Clinic for the first time have increased in the past several weeks. Many visitors have revealed that they intend to give up smoking due to the price hike.”

The Gulf Times also wrote that the HMC's Tobacco Control Center recorded 4,000 visits in 2018 and the number of people seeking to quit continues to increase after awareness campaigns.

An HMC staff shared that 30 to 35% of Doha-based smokers have already quitted, with one person making at least three to five visits as part of the quitting programme.

"If they stop smoking for six months, it is considered as quitting the habit. Usually those who smoke 20 to 30 cigarettes a day, are considered heavy smokers.”

Patients visiting the HMC receive one-on-one counseling and appropriate nicotine replacement or pharmaceutical support. Patients also undergo a full assessment, including a complete medical history and related evaluations, such as lung function tests.

As part of the assessment, clinicians talk to patients about available treatment options, which include the most modern and effective solutions to quit smoking. Psychological support is also a core part of treatment.

On the other hand, vape (e-cigarettes) has emerged as another alternative for cigarettes. Although it is illegal to sell vapes in Qatar, smokers are finding their way to these e-cigarettes.

A website developer for a private company told Qatar Tribune:

“I have switched to vapes recently thinking that I will reduce the cost and find a healthier way than smoking cigarettes, but I also faced a problem with finding cartridge for them as they can’t be found in the markets in Qatar, it is all waste of money.”

In the end, experts from the HMC have one major precaution to highlight: the risk of second-hand smoking which according to them is as dangerous as using a cigarette stick.

“Now, there is also the third-hand smoke which is residual nicotine and other chemicals left on indoor surfaces by tobacco smoke. People are exposed to these chemicals by touching contaminated surfaces or breathing while at these areas.”

Shopkeepers said that shisha consumption has also declined significantly since the imposition of so-called 'sin tax.'

The new law, therefore, is having a positive and desirable impact. The very aim of the tax is to wean off people from unhealthy habits and it is gradually happening.

On the National Sport Day next Tuesday, the Tobacco Control Center will hold awareness activities at Katara about its services and how to access the services. Experts will also measure carbon monoxide and lung volume of smokers and advise or refer them to the Tobacco Control center if needed.

Are you a former smoker who has decided to quit this unhealthy habit as well? If yes, tell us how it was for you in the comments and also, don't forget to like and share this article—it keeps us going!

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Sonkie

Content writer

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