Introduction
Government of India launched the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in the year 2007-08 during the 11th Five-Year-Plan, with the aim to (i) create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, (ii) reduce the production and supply of tobacco products, (iii) ensure effective implementation of the provisions under “The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003” (COTPA) (iv) help the people quit tobacco use, and (v) facilitate implementation of strategies for prevention and control of tobacco advocated by WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control.
Scope of services
- Training of health and social workers, NGOs, school teachers, and enforcement officers
- Information, education, and communication (IEC) activities
- School programmes
- Monitoring of tobacco control laws
- Coordination with Panchayati Raj Institutions for village level activities
- Setting-up and strengthening of cessation facilities including provision of pharmacological treatment facilities at district level.
Website link of the institute
https://ntcp.mohfw.gov.in/India has over 2000 Tobacco Cessation Centres established across the nation- 675 in the District Hospitals under NTCP, 607 in the Dental Colleges and private hospitals and clinics, and 703 in the Medical Colleges – soon to be set up. Since 2018, India also has active National Tobacco Quit Line Services (NTQLS) (1800-11-2356, toll-free) managed by four Quitline centres across India, providing counseling in 16 regional and local languages. Further, MoHFW has also launched various guides and manuals aiding in tobacco cessation services, such as Tobacco Dependence Treatment Guidelines, Tobacco Cessation Manual, Health Workers Guide, Operational Guidelines for Establishing Tobacco Cessation Centers in Dental Institutes, and Operational Guidelines for Establishing Tobacco Cessation Centers in Medical Institutions.
