Nadda launches counselling helpline for tobacco addicts

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Monday launched the country's first Tobacco Cessation Quitline which aims to guide tobacco addicts 'kick the butt' with proper counselling.

The National Tobacco Cessation Quitline, situated at the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute in the national capital, will be open six days a week except on Monday.

According to the Ministry, the helpline 1800112356 will be operational from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"This is a boon for the tobacco consumers who wanted to quit it but were unable till now. We have 18 counsellors and all of them are well trained to guide how to quit tobacco," Raj Kumar, head of respiratory allergy and applied immunology at Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, told IANS.

The counsellors have background in psychology and social work.

"This is the first time that we have decided to help the tobacco addicts in quitting even though many programmes were launched to make them aware about the harmful effects of tobacco," Kumar said.

"We will slowly expand the centre. Currently, it has come up at an approximate cost of Rs20-30 lakh," said Kumar.

--IANS

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