The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has strongly warned against the health risks associated with the use of smokeless tobacco, particularly "Sweika," a substance mistakenly believed by many to be less harmful than smoking.

Sweika, also known as "Shamma" or "Tombak", is a harmful habit involving a specially processed form of tobacco often mixed with nicotine and sodium bicarbonate. It is used by placing it inside the mouth for a period before disposal.

Dr. Jinan Mohammed Suleiman, a family physician at PHCC, emphasized that Sweika poses serious health threats. "Many people wrongly believe that Sweika is a safer alternative to smoking. In reality, the direct exposure of certain areas of the mouth to tobacco increases the risk of severe health complications, which are not limited to the oral cavity but also extend to the esophagus, colon, pancreas, and bladder, due to the absorption and ingestion of tobacco juices," she said.