Novel Quit Smoking Clinic launched

Taking a firm step towards helping habitual cigarette smokers, the Oakridge Hospitals – Madhapur launched a first-of-its-kind ‘Quit Smoking Clinic’ and result oriented ‘Breath Easy Programme’ recently.

The Clinic was inaugurated by Home Minister, Naini Narasimha Reddy, while eminent film producer Dil Raju launched breathe easy programme. A team of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, psychiatrists and dieticians at the Clinic will offer a mix of medical counselling and diet-related guidance to help individuals quit smoking permanently.

Speaking on the occasion, Reddy appreciated the efforts of Oakridge Hospitals in taking up such initiatives and help give people affected by smoking, a new lease of life. “It is a welcome idea by the hospital to not just restrict to medical services, but go extra mile in educating people against smoking and helping those who want to quit smoking,” he said.

Commenting on the Clinic and its flagship programme, Dr Pradyut Waghrey, Head of the Department, Respiratory Medicine, Oakridge Hospitals said, “Early smokers are tested and screened for COPD and lung cancer and will be counselled to help them understand the importance of quitting smoking, its immediate necessity, besides taking them through the suggested therapy.”

Arikepudi Gandhi, MLA, Solipeta Ramalinga Reddy, MLA, Dr Madireddy Srinivas Reddy, MLC, Balmuri Santosh Rao, Chairman, Oakridge Hospitals, Sarin Gandhi, Director, V Jagadishwar Goud, Madhapur Corporator and V Srinivas Reddy, Ramnagar Corprorator participated in the event.