Towards a smoke-free hospital

In the context of the healthcare sector's efforts to build a safe, high-quality, and humane environment for medical examination and treatment, the goal of a "smoke-free hospital" is becoming an urgent requirement for every healthcare facility. More than just a legal requirement, it is also a crucial solution to protect patients' health, improve service quality, and create a green, clean, and beautiful hospital image.

The medical examination and treatment environment at Thai Nguyen Medical Center is always clean and beautiful.

Thai Nguyen province currently has 36 hospitals and medical centers. In recent years, many facilities have proactively implemented comprehensive measures to minimize smoking within their premises.

At Thai Nguyen C Hospital, creating a smoke-free environment is considered one of the important criteria for improving the quality of medical examination and treatment according to the model of a civilized hospital.

Dr. Nguyen Van Dung, Deputy Director of Thai Nguyen C Hospital, said: "Tobacco smoke not only harms smokers but also seriously affects patients, their families, and healthcare workers. We recognize that building a smoke-free hospital is a long-term task, requiring perseverance, responsibility, and the consensus of all staff, employees, and the public."

Since then, the hospital has intensified its宣传 efforts through banners, posters, electronic display boards, and the internal broadcasting system; while also integrating the content into staff meetings and professional development sessions. Messages such as "No smoking - for public health" and "The hospital is a place for treatment, not a place for smoking" are placed in many easily visible locations, creating a positive effect.

Alongside awareness campaigns, many strict management measures have been implemented at hospitals and medical centers. At Cho Moi Medical Center, all smoking within the premises is addressed by the security and order team. To support patients who wish to quit smoking, the Center has assigned doctors to provide counseling and explain the harmful effects of tobacco on people with cardiovascular disease, cancer, etc. This direct support not only reduces smoking in the hospital but also helps patients improve their long-term health.

Healthcare facilities are always committed to creating a smoke-free environment, contributing to improved patient health.

Dr. Nguyen Van Tuan, a specialist at Cho Moi Medical Center, shared: "Many patients are admitted with severe complications due to long-term smoking. After explanation, they agree to quit smoking and strictly adhere to the plan. The smoke-free environment of the hospital has given them extra motivation to quit."

Currently, many hospitals and medical facilities in the province have established "Smoke-Free Department" or "Smoke-Free Route" models to replicate best practices. These departments coordinate with relevant agencies in monitoring and reminding staff, while also focusing on creating a green, clean, and beautiful environment.

In the outpatient departments of medical facilities, the large number of patients necessitates intensified public awareness campaigns. Simultaneously, hospitals launch emulation movements among their staff, linked to year-end performance evaluations. Setting a good example from Party committees, leaders, and Party members creates a strong ripple effect, affirming the commitment to building a civilized and safe hospital environment.

Despite achieving many positive results, maintaining a smoke-free environment in hospitals and medical facilities still requires strong and persistent efforts. To achieve the goal of a smoke-free environment, hospitals and medical centers need to continue promoting visual and engaging communication; strengthen inspection and supervision; and establish more smoking cessation counseling centers.

Building smoke-free hospitals is not just about complying with regulations, but also a practical action to protect the health of thousands of patients, their families, and healthcare workers every day. With the determination of healthcare facility leaders, the sense of responsibility of the medical staff, and the consensus of the people, this goal is not far off. When cigarette smoke disappears from the corridors, waiting rooms, or hospital grounds, the treatment environment becomes safe, humane, and truly reflects the meaning of "All for the health of the people."

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/y-te/202512/huong-den-benh-vien-khong-khoi-thuoc-3e350b4/