Delhi: AIIMS New Delhi is set to open a new Tobacco Cessation Clinic (TCC) at the New RAK OPD on September 10, 2024, as part of its “Tobacco-Free AIIMS” initiative. This new clinic aims to address the serious public health issue of tobacco addiction in India.
The TCC is a joint effort between the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) and the Department of Pulmonary, Critical, and Sleep Medicine. It will be located in Rooms 519 and 526 on the 5th floor of the New RAK OPD building. Registration for the clinic will begin at 8:30 AM on the ground floor of the A-Wing, and both walk-in and referred patients can enroll.
Prof M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS Delhi, described the TCC as a crucial part of the “Tobacco-Free AIIMS” initiative, saying, “The TCC is a crucial step in creating a healthier environment as part of the ‘Tobacco-Free AIIMS’ initiative. The clinic will support individuals struggling with tobacco addiction.”
Dr Nirupam Madaan, Medical Superintendent at AIIMS Delhi, noted that the clinic will operate every Tuesday morning. The new TCC will offer a range of services, including pharmacotherapy, psychosocial interventions, and relapse prevention strategies. It will also serve as a platform to educate medical and nursing students at AIIMS.
Dr Anju Dhawan, Prof & Chief of NDDTC, talked about the alignment of the TCC with national and international tobacco control goals, stating, “The establishment of tobacco cessation services is a key objective of the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) and is in line with Article 14 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).”
Dr Anant Mohan, Professor & Head of the Department of Pulmonary, Critical, and Sleep Medicine, pointed out that tobacco use is a leading cause of respiratory diseases. “Tobacco use remains a leading cause of respiratory diseases such as COPD and lung cancer, with many patients struggling to quit despite serious diagnoses. The clinic will raise public awareness and provide essential medical and psychological support.”
Dr Prabhoo Dayal, Professor & Additional Medical Superintendent at NDDTC, added that tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death globally. “Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death globally, responsible for over 8 million deaths annually, with more than 1.3 million lives lost in India each year.”
The clinic will bring together specialists in addiction psychiatry, pulmonary medicine, trained counsellors, nurses, and support staff to offer a comprehensive approach to quitting tobacco. It will also provide group sessions, educational materials, and digital support tools to assist patients in their journey to quit.
With inputs from ANI
