On this World No Tobacco Day, India’s pioneering tobacco control initiative at Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI) celebrates a major milestone in the fight against tobacco. The VPCI’s tobacco quitline has recorded 144,938 quitters from 477,585 registered calls, with a total of 8.2 million calls hitting the IVR. Impressively, 46.96% of these registered calls are from young adults aged 18-24, making them the largest group of quitters. This data highlights the growing awareness and determination among India’s youth to combat tobacco addiction.

Dr. Raj Kumar, Director, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, explains, “Since its inception, the TCC at VPCI has been at the forefront of tobacco control, providing critical support to individuals battling tobacco addiction. Our comprehensive approach, combining counselling and pharmacotherapy, has significantly improved quit rates and public health outcomes. Protecting our youth from tobacco is paramount. Our efforts today will pave the way for a healthier, tobacco-free future for the next generation.”

A total of 46.96% of registered calls to the NTQLS are from 18-24-year-olds, with most callers having a 12th-grade education. Over 43% are self-employed, 75.85% have no family history of tobacco use, and 68.63% use smokeless tobacco. Uttar Pradesh (UP) leads with 150,925 (31.6%) of calls and 29.68% of quitters. Additionally, 72.96% of calls are from individuals with 1-10 years of tobacco use, and 77.74% have no history of alcohol use.

Dr. Raj Kumar notes, “The NTQLS provides free, confidential counselling and guidance to tobacco users across the country, empowering them to take charge of their health. Quitting tobacco is not just about willpower. We address the psychological and behavioural factors that contribute to addiction, offering strategies to manage cravings and overcome withdrawal symptoms.” Over the past 23 years, TCC at VPCI has organized 376 public awareness programs, anti-tobacco campaigns, and seminars, reaching over 1.3 million people. These initiatives have trained 57,243 doctors, benefited 44,652 students, and empowered 61,129 social workers, creating a ripple effect of awareness and education.

Dr. Kumar further adds, “The NTQLS’s success in providing accessible, culturally sensitive tobacco cessation support, with satellite centres across India, supports millions struggling with addiction. Outreach programs promote preventive care by training healthcare professionals and educating the public. VPCI’s Tobacco Cessation Clinic boasts impressive quit rates: 22.4% through non-pharmacotherapy and 40.3% through pharmacotherapy. VPCI and The Society for Tobacco Control are observing World No Tobacco Day with the theme ‘Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference’ to highlight youth protection.”