Union minister of health and family welfare, J.P. Nadda, virtually inaugurated the Tobacco Cessation Centre (TCC) at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

Given the widespread use of tobacco in India and its association with numerous medical conditions, the TCC at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, is envisioned as a one-stop centre providing multidisciplinary care and support for individuals looking to quit tobacco.

Speaking at the event, Nadda highlighted that this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to public health under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This event marks a pivotal step in India’s efforts towards achieving a tobacco-free society, aligned with the launch of the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0. The 60-day campaign aims to raise awareness and drive meaningful changes toward tobacco cessation among the youth of the nation.

Through a combination of medications, counselling, and psychosocial interventions, the TCC aims to support users in overcoming their addiction, thus paving the way for a healthier, tobacco-free future.

Union minister of state for health and family welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, also attended the inaugural function virtually.

The tobacco cessation centre will be managed by trained psychiatrists and offer specialized treatments for both smoked and chewable forms of tobacco through medications and counselling.

Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, the executive director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, emphasised on the need for expanding such services to ensure holistic management of patients. He also called for patient awareness campaigns to strengthen the effectiveness of the TCC services.