SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre (SRM SKMCH&RC) has taken a significant step towards promoting public health by inaugurating a Tobacco Cessation Centre at its Kattankulathur location. This new facility, located at the Psychiatry OPD, aims to provide comprehensive support to individuals seeking to quit tobacco use. The centre will operate from Monday to Saturday, offering a range of services including counseling, medication, and support groups. This initiative underscores SRM Hospital’s commitment to combating tobacco addiction and improving community health.
Comprehensive Support Services
The Tobacco Cessation Centre at SRM Hospital offers a variety of services designed to help individuals overcome their tobacco dependence. The centre provides personalized counseling sessions where trained professionals work with patients to develop tailored quit plans. These sessions focus on identifying triggers, managing cravings, and building coping strategies to support long-term abstinence from tobacco.
In addition to counseling, the centre offers pharmacological support to aid in the cessation process. Medications such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline are available to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The combination of counseling and medication has been shown to significantly increase the chances of successfully quitting tobacco.
Support groups are another key component of the centre’s services. These groups provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences, challenges, and successes with others who are on the same journey. The sense of community and mutual support can be incredibly motivating and reassuring for those attempting to quit tobacco.
Addressing the Tobacco Epidemic
The establishment of the Tobacco Cessation Centre is a proactive response to the growing tobacco epidemic in India. Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable diseases and deaths, contributing to conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. By providing accessible and effective cessation services, SRM Hospital aims to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use and its associated health risks.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, the head of the Psychiatry Department at SRM Hospital, emphasized the importance of early intervention and continuous support in the fight against tobacco addiction. He highlighted that the centre’s multidisciplinary approach, involving psychiatrists, psychologists, and medical professionals, ensures that patients receive holistic care tailored to their specific needs.
The centre also plans to conduct awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform the public about the dangers of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting. These initiatives aim to create a supportive environment that encourages individuals to seek help and make healthier choices.
Future Plans and Community Impact
Looking ahead, SRM Hospital has ambitious plans to expand the reach and impact of the Tobacco Cessation Centre. The hospital intends to collaborate with local schools, colleges, and community organizations to extend its services beyond the hospital premises. By partnering with these institutions, SRM Hospital hopes to reach a wider audience and provide support to individuals in various settings.
The hospital also plans to conduct research on the effectiveness of different cessation strategies and interventions. This research will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on tobacco cessation and help refine the centre’s programs to better meet the needs of patients. The findings will be shared with the broader medical community to inform best practices and improve cessation efforts nationwide.
The inauguration of the Tobacco Cessation Centre at SRM Hospital marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s ongoing efforts to promote public health and combat tobacco addiction. By providing comprehensive support services, raising awareness, and conducting research, the centre is poised to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the community.
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