BMC’s Commitment to a Smoke-Free Environment

BMC has consistently upheld its commitment to advancing a healthy, smoke-free environment for its students, staff, and the wider community. This commitment is anchored by a robust and explicit Smoke-Free Policy that prohibits smoking on all college property. Going beyond mere prohibition, BMC has established a comprehensive framework that involves:

Policy Enforcement

BMC’s efforts are governed by its official "Smoke Free Policy", which explicitly defines and enforces a smoke-free environment with an obvious prohibition "Smoking is not permitted in or on any College Property". This policy applies to the entire college community, including all employees, students, affiliates, contractors, and visitors. It covers all college property, including buildings, grounds, facilities, and vehicles. The policy outlines also a clear enforcement procedure, including posting of "No Smoking" signs across all campus buildings; A gradual disciplinary process from verbal warnings to presentation before a disciplinary board for repeat violations; and prohibition on the sale, distribution, or advertisement of tobacco products on campus.

On-Campus Cessation and Support Services

BMC’s policy is proactively supported by initiatives designed to help individuals quit smoking, reflecting a commitment to health and well-being. At the core of these efforts is BMC’s on-campus Smoking Cessation Clinic which established in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Health and provides free medical treatment including Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and other medications; Behavioral consultations and professional support to address the psychological aspects of addiction; and systematic follow-up for patient progress that tracked through the Ministry of Health’s "Tobacco Control Program" for ongoing support and monitoring.

Education, Awareness, and Curricular Integration

BMC leverages its position as a medical college to educate its community on the dangers of tobacco use through:

• Dedicated Awareness Events: Through 2024/25, multiple on-campus campaigns are conducted, such as "The Impact of Smoking on Pregnant Women" and "The Impact of Vaping on Lung Health," organized by the Respiratory Therapy Program. These events reached hundreds of students and staff, providing education on risks and cessation strategies.

• Integrated Learning: The Pharmacy Program and Respiratory Therapy Program collaborated on a "Smoking Cessation Campaign" for BUPA company employees. This event demonstrates how students apply their knowledge of "behavioral and psychological mechanism of dependence" and "medications used in Nicotine replacement therapy" in real-world settings, reinforcing their education while serving the community.

Community Outreach and Public Engagement

BMC’s commitment extends beyond its campus boundaries, impacting the broader community.

• External Partnerships and Campaigns: By partnering with the Ministry of Health, institutions and NGOs, BMC amplified the message about the harmful effects of smoking, providing resources and information to help individuals quit and prevent tobacco use.

• Broader Public Health Initiatives: The Respiratory Therapy Program’s outreach to Al Andalus Jeddah School and the Alhamdaniah Neighborhood Center focused on "Awareness of Asthma" and the dangers of vaping, targeting youth and families to prevent smoking initiation and promote lung health. Different campaigns also reached schools, public spaces like shopping malls, and other community sectors to raise awareness about the health risks associated with smoking and substance abuse.

BMC not only has a clearly articulated and enforced smoke-free policy but has built a supportive ecosystem around it. Through its dedicated cessation clinic, integrated educational programs, and extensive community outreach, BMC actively promotes a culture of health and well-being. This comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy demonstrates a profound institutional commitment to reducing tobacco use and its associated harms, aligning powerfully with the objectives of SDG3