Special Awareness Seminar Organized on the Occasion of World No Tobacco Day

Udaipur: On the eve of World No Tobacco Day, a special awareness seminar on tobacco cessation was organized at Rabindranath Tagore Medical College and its affiliated hospitals. Medical experts highlighted the serious health, social, and generational risks associated with tobacco consumption and urged people to stay away from tobacco products.

The seminar, organized by the Department of Community Medicine (PSM), witnessed participation from senior doctors, resident physicians, nursing staff, hospital employees, patients, and their family members. Participants collectively pledged to work toward building a tobacco-free society.

During the program, the achievements of the state's first Tobacco Cessation Center (TCC) were highlighted. Dr. Ashish Jain, In-charge of the center, explained that the facility provides scientific counseling, regular follow-up, and necessary treatment for individuals addicted to tobacco and other substances. He noted that the center has produced encouraging results, with many people successfully overcoming tobacco addiction.

Head of the Department of Community Medicine and Additional Principal Dr. Kirti emphasized that the harmful effects of tobacco are not limited to the user alone but can also impact future generations.

Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology Dr. Narendra Rathore discussed nicotine addiction and the scientific process involved in its treatment. He also explained the six-stage model of tobacco cessation and encouraged individuals to seek professional help to quit tobacco.

Psychiatrist Dr. Dilip highlighted the importance of behavioral change and psychological support in helping individuals overcome addiction.

Chief Guest and Principal & Controller of the Medical College Dr. Rahul Jain described World No Tobacco Day as an important opportunity to raise public awareness about health issues. He stated that tobacco-related cancers and many other serious diseases are preventable and emphasized the need for continuous public awareness campaigns. He also appreciated the efforts of the state's first Tobacco Cessation Center in helping people lead addiction-free lives.

Additional Principal Dr. Vijay Gupta described the role of the Tobacco Cessation Center as highly significant for society, while Superintendent of Maharana Bhupal Hospital, Dr. R.L. Suman, spoke about ongoing efforts to maintain a completely tobacco-free hospital campus.

A special feature of the program was the recognition of individuals who had successfully quit tobacco with the support of the Tobacco Cessation Center. Their experiences were shared as inspirational examples for others seeking to overcome addiction.

The event was attended by Dr. Anjali Mathur, Dr. Rupa Sharma, Dr. Chandan, Dr. Chandraprakash Sharma, Dr. Mahesh Upadhyay, Dr. Shikha Mehta, Dr. Bharti Paliwal, Dr. Antima, along with senior and junior doctors, nursing officers, and departmental staff.

At the conclusion of the seminar, all participants took a collective pledge to adopt a tobacco-free lifestyle and contribute toward creating an addiction-free society.