Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute observes World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the significant strides of the National Tobacco Quitline Service.
World No Tobacco Day celebrations at the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute took a moment to highlight the role of the National Tobacco Quitline Service’s (NTQLS) toll-free number and the mandate for statutory warnings on all tobacco products in promoting public health.
Established in 2016 and operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the NTQLS provides a crucial lifeline to those seeking to quit tobacco. The service, launched by Union Health Minister Hon’ble Shri Jai Prakash Nadda, operates a toll-free number 1800112356 that has become an essential tool in the battle against tobacco addiction.
As of April 2023, the NTQLS has fielded over seven million calls, providing counseling to over two million individuals and leading to a successful quit rate of over 156,644 people. These statistics underscore the efficacy of such public health initiatives, demonstrating the tangible impact of the service on the health and wellbeing of India’s populace.
The institute’s celebrations also drew attention to the requirement for statutory warnings on all tobacco products, a mandate enacted by the Central Government. This initiative ensures that every potential tobacco user is informed of the dangers they face, a critical step in curbing tobacco usage.
The NTQLS’s toll-free number and the government-mandated warnings on tobacco products work hand-in-hand to raise awareness and combat tobacco use. As India marks World No Tobacco Day, these initiatives continue to demonstrate the power of information and accessibility in the fight against tobacco addiction.
