Safdarjung Hospital Staff is trained in anti-tobacco program

 

An awareness session on "Tobacco cessation" was held in Preventive Health and Screening OPD under Department of Community Medicine of VMMC & Safdarjung hospital on 30th July 2025 for security personnel and sanitation workers of the hospital. The event was graced by Dr. Avinash Sunthlia, Deputy Assistant Director General, National Tobacco Control Program, MoHFW, GoI. His session titled “The Truth Behind the Smoke: What You Need to Know About Tobacco” raised awareness about the health hazards associated with tobacco use, cessation strategies and offered clear insights into national efforts for tobacco control. The menace of tobacco in hospital was explained in detailed. Dr. Jugal Kishore, Director Professor and former HOD, Community Medicine said that all hospital staff should act as a role model for patients and their relatives in adapting healthy lifestyle. They should be free from tobacco smoking and chewing. It is also stated tobacco cessation services are available in the OPD and they can seek help if they themselves or anyone is addicted to tobacco use. Tobacco use is one of the most common causes of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, COPD, Asthma, peptic ulcer, low birth weight, still birth, impotency, etc. It is responsible for approximately 1.35 million deaths annually, accounting for about 9.5% of total deaths in India. Staff was also told about the self-oral examination and its cleaning practices.