India Pioneers Regional Anti-Tobacco Drive: Offers Training to Neighboring Countries
Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute observes World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the significant strides of the National Tobacco Quitline Service.
The National Tobacco Quitline Service (NTQLS), run by the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, is setting an example for the region by offering training to neighboring countries. This innovative approach to tackling tobacco addiction was highlighted during the institute’s World No Tobacco Day celebration.
Since its inception, the NTQLS has been a vital resource in India’s fight against tobacco addiction. Recognizing the urgent need to address this health crisis across the region, the service has extended its reach beyond national borders, providing invaluable training to individuals from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
The Quit Line Service has come a long way since its launch by Union Health Minister Hon’ble Shri Jai Prakash Nadda in 2016. With over seven million calls received just this year, it has counseled over two million individuals, with a notable 156,644 reporting to have successfully quit tobacco.
The celebration also featured a touching play, “We Need Food, Not Tobacco,” performed by the staff working in the NTQLS. The team’s dedication to the cause of tobacco cessation resonated throughout the performance, reinforcing their core mission: “Those who have not started should not start. Those who have started by mistake should quit.”
The work of the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute and the NTQLS in sharing their expertise with neighboring countries embodies the spirit of regional collaboration. Their efforts represent a crucial step toward a collective, regional effort to combat the scourge of tobacco addiction.
