8 out of 10 patients of Koronadal pulmonologist have smoking related diseases

KORONADAL CITY - Eight out of 10 patients of a pulmonologist in South Cotabato have diseases related to cigarette smoking, a physician today said.Dr. Virgie Sulit, a pulmonologist, revealed this during the launching of an anti-smoking drive in Koronadal City over the weekend.Apulmonologist, or pulmonary disease specialist, is a physician who possesses specialized knowledge and skill in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases. Sulit said most of the patients were either active, passive or former smokers.She advised smokers to quit now before its too late. Jenny Ventura, DOH-12 regional focal person on anti smoking campaign, said so far only 14 local govenrment units in Region 12 have local ordinance prohibiting smoking in pubic.Four of the LGUs have been included as hall of famersin the Red Orchid Award. The award giving body recognizes LGUs that actively promote no smoking policies. and//www.thetoptenz.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/anti-smoking-ads-88.jpg In South Cotabato's 11 LGUs, only two have so far joined the anti-smoking campaign. These re Tantangan and Tupi.Koronadal City has actively joined the campaign.Mayor Peter Miguel has banned smoking in the city hall compound and issued directive that applicants to the city government who are smokers will be rejected. The South Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office is the lead agency in the anti-smoking drive.