Pune, 30th Sep 2024: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) marked a significant milestone in the fight against tobacco consumption with the nationwide inauguration of Tobacco Cessation Centres (TCC) across all the medical colleges in India. The centres were inaugurated virtually by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri. Jagat Prakash Nadda, as part of the National Tobacco Control Program’s Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 (TFYC 2.0). TCC aims to provide accessible professional assistance to tobacco users who wish to quit.

Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune is proud to be part of this noble initiative. The Tobacco Cessation Centre at the institution, coordinated by the Department of Community Medicine along with Dept. of Psychiatry, was officially inaugurated on September 24, 2024, in line with the nationwide inauguration.

This initiative, which began in 2018 with the introduction of Tobacco Cessation Centres in dental colleges, has now expanded to include medical institutions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to public health and tobacco control. As per the guidelines, these centres will provide primary, secondary and tertiary prevention services to patients and their relatives, who may wish to quit tobacco but are unsure of how or where to start. This program ensures that anyone visiting a medical facility, whether for treatment or accompanying a patient, can access professional guidance and follow-up services to aid them in their journey to quit tobacco.

Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre has always prioritized giving back to society, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee and Treasure of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune. “At our institution we have always believed in the importance of social responsibility. Our involvement in the National Tobacco Cessation Centre initiative is just one example of how we aim to positively impact the health of our communities. We are committed to providing accessible healthcare services and awareness programs to improve the overall well-being of society. This initiative is a crucial step towards a tobacco-free future and we are honored to be part of it.”

Dr. J. S. Bhawalkar, Dean, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, said, “This initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare aligns perfectly with our vision to serve society and promote public health. Establishing Tobacco Cessation Centres in medical colleges across the nation will provide those in need with easy access to professional help, ensuring they receive the care, guidance and support required to overcome their tobacco addiction.”

Dr. Hetal Rathod, Professor and Head, Dept. of Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, said “At our institution, we are committed to leveraging our resources and expertise in community medicine to guide individuals through their journey to quit tobacco. This initiative will not only provide professional support but also empower people with the knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives. We are proud to be part of this transformative effort for the betterment of public health.”

Dr. Kavita Vishwakarma, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, stated, “At Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, we are committed to playing a proactive role in reducing tobacco usage by offering specialized Tobacco cessation services. With the newly inaugurated center, our goal is to guide individuals—whether patients or visitors—through a comprehensive quitting process, offering professional support at every step of the way. This initiative aligns with the national effort to curb tobacco-related diseases and we believe that by providing accessible resources, counselling services and follow-up care, we can significantly contribute to reducing tobacco dependency. Our mission is to not only treat patients but also to educate and empower them to make healthier lifestyle choices.”

Dr. Suprakash Chaudhury, Professor & HOD Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, said, “Tobacco addiction is both a physical and psychological challenge, and the establishment of Tobacco Cessation Centres within medical colleges is a crucial step in addressing this issue comprehensively. We are dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments and personalized counselling that address the mental and emotional aspects of quitting. Our aim is to offer continuous support to those seeking to break free from tobacco, helping them reclaim their health and well-being.”

This initiative aims to reach communities through community awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to prevent first-time exposure to tobacco, especially among young people. The government has mandated social media influencers also to become part of TFYC 2.0 and thus play a significant role in raising awareness among youths.