Tobacco consumption is attributed to nearly 27% of all cancers in India. Tobacco smokers are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) and experiencing more severe symptoms. In response, the National Medical Commission (NMC), India, has mandated that medical colleges nationwide establish 'tobacco cessation centers' to mitigate the harmful effects of tobacco use and enhance public health.
This directive is part of an initiative to bolster healthcare infrastructure by incorporating specialized tobacco cessation services into the educational and healthcare framework. According to a circular issued by the NMC, all hospitals associated with medical colleges must set up these centers, which can be operated by the Department of Psychiatry or other departments. Additionally, these centers are to be established in rural and urban health centers adopted by the colleges for training…
