Tobacco cessation centres have few takers

The tobacco cessation centre in the Cancer Institute sees not more than 200 people every year. And, the numbers get more abysmal when we talk about those who come for a continuous follow-up and complete the treatment, according to Dr E Vidhubala, associate professor, Resource Centre for Tobacco Control, Cancer Institute (WIA). She was speaking at the seminar on tobacco control conducted by The Press Institute of India, the Resource Centre for Tobacco Control, Cancer Institute (WIA), and UNICEF on ‘World No Tobacco Day’ observed on Tuesday. An estimated 10 lakh people die every year due to tobacco-related diseases in India.

Dr Vidhubala said, “It is sad but that is the truth; people barely come to the centre. It is highly beneficial for them and many of them only need behavioural intervention. Just a few need nicotine replacement therapy.” 

The centre, which is part of an initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO), was launched in 2001. “We have seen that there is a 42 per cent success among those who complete the treatment. At the centre, we have our staff and counsellors who follow up on the cases, individually through calls and smses to remind them about their consultation time. Yet many fail to turn up,” she said. Dr K. Kolandaswamy, Director, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Tamil Nadu, who was present at the meeting, said that 284 medical officers, 32 ICTC counsellors and 88 non-communicable disease staff nurses were being deployed for cessation in primary health care centres in the state. “It is a pilot project and it is yielding good results,” he added.

Dr Vidhubala added that like in other countries, general practitioners should be trained for offering cessation treatment. “This would go a long way in ensuring many are reached,” she said. 

Family support plays a huge role, said K Thirupathi, consultant pulmonologist, SIMS, speaking to DT Next. “I have seen that many don’t like it when we counsel them in front of their kids. But I have had patients who have successfully undergone cessation only due to his determination. Family also plays a huge role. They should be supportive instead of just mounting pressure,” he said.