A new Tobacco Cessation Centre has been inaugurated at Ruia Hospital in Tirupati, marking a significant step in the fight against tobacco addiction. The centre was officially opened by Dr. PA Chandrasekharan, Principal of SV Medical College, along with Dr. J Radha, the in-charge superintendent of the hospital. This initiative is part of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and aims to provide comprehensive support to individuals seeking to quit tobacco. The centre will offer free medical consultations, nicotine replacement therapies, and educational resources to help patients overcome their addiction.
Comprehensive Support for Tobacco Users
The Tobacco Cessation Centre at Ruia Hospital is designed to provide a wide range of services to support individuals in their journey to quit tobacco. The centre will operate daily from 9 am to 4 pm, offering specialized medical services and staff assistance. Patients can receive free consultations with healthcare professionals who are trained in tobacco cessation techniques. These consultations will include personalized quit plans, counseling sessions, and follow-up appointments to monitor progress.
In addition to medical consultations, the centre will provide nicotine replacement therapies such as gums, patches, and medications. These therapies are proven to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for individuals to quit tobacco. The centre will also offer educational resources, including pamphlets and workshops, to inform patients about the health risks of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting.
The inauguration of the centre was attended by several key figures, including Vice-Principals Dr. Venkateswarlu and Dr. Sunitha, Head of the Psychiatry Department Dr. Mallikarjun Rao, and Tobacco Control Programme Officer Dr. Padmavathi. Their presence underscores the importance of this initiative and the collaborative effort required to address tobacco addiction.
National Tobacco Control Programme
The establishment of the Tobacco Cessation Centre at Ruia Hospital is part of the broader National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) initiated by the Central and State governments. The NTCP aims to reduce tobacco use and its associated health risks through a combination of policy measures, public awareness campaigns, and support services. The programme focuses on preventing the initiation of tobacco use, promoting cessation, and protecting non-smokers from exposure to secondhand smoke.
As part of the NTCP, the new centre at Ruia Hospital will play a crucial role in providing accessible and effective support to tobacco users. The centre’s services are designed to complement other NTCP initiatives, such as the ‘Tobacco-Free Youth 2.0’ awareness programme launched by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Ganapatrao Jadhav. This programme aims to educate young people about the dangers of tobacco and substance abuse, encouraging them to lead healthier lives.
The NTCP also includes measures to strengthen tobacco control policies, such as increasing taxes on tobacco products, implementing graphic health warnings, and enforcing bans on tobacco advertising and sponsorship. These policies are intended to reduce the affordability and attractiveness of tobacco products, thereby decreasing their consumption.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Community engagement is a key component of the Tobacco Cessation Centre’s strategy. The centre aims to involve local communities in its efforts to reduce tobacco use by organizing outreach programmes and collaborating with community leaders. These initiatives will help raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and the resources available to those who wish to quit. By fostering a supportive environment, the centre hopes to encourage more individuals to seek help and successfully quit tobacco.
Looking ahead, the Tobacco Cessation Centre plans to expand its services and reach more individuals in need. This includes increasing the number of healthcare professionals trained in tobacco cessation, enhancing the availability of nicotine replacement therapies, and developing new educational materials. The centre also aims to conduct research on the effectiveness of its programmes and use the findings to improve its services.
The inauguration of the Tobacco Cessation Centre at Ruia Hospital represents a significant milestone in the fight against tobacco addiction. By providing comprehensive support and engaging with the community, the centre is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on public health. As the centre continues to grow and evolve, it will play a vital role in helping individuals overcome tobacco addiction and lead healthier lives.
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