The NTQLS data based on the calls received, reveals that the maximum tobacco quitters are from UP

While celebrating World No Tobacco Day to spread awareness around tobacco control, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI) brought to notice the spectacular work done by National Tobacco Quitline Service (NTQLS) in the direction of tobacco control. The NTQLS data based on the calls received, reveals that the maximum tobacco quitters are from Uttar Pradesh.

The VPCI survey based on NTQLS’ data reveals that a total number of 71,39,473 IVR calls were received. Out of the total number of IVR calls received by this centre this year until April 30, 20,43,227 calls were counselled, including 9,96,302 inbound calls, 26,80,657 outbound calls, and 3,91,160 registered by the call centre. A total of 1,56,644 individuals have successfully given up tobacco use. Of 156,644 people who have given up tobacco, the maximum 123,508 calls were received from Uttar Pradesh.

During a conversation with journalists regarding tobacco control on ‘World No Tobacco Day,’ Dr Raj Kumar, Director, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, (VPCI) said, “I would like to work with two objectives: first, those who have not started using tobacco should not start, second, those who have started by mistake should quit. And if you need any kind of help in quitting, we are ready to help you out. There is a team of National Tobacco Quitline Service (NTQLS) always ready to help you by providing the right kind of information and proper counselling on tobacco quitting.”

The survey data also indicates that males make up the highest at 98 percent, followed by transgender individuals at 5 percent of the total population, while females comprise the lowest i.e., 2 percent. The highest number of tobacco consumers are individuals who have passed their class 10 exam whose number is 1,74,097.

Besides providing relief to a large number of patients in the community suffering from chest diseases, VPCI runs the National Tobacco Quitline Service (NTQLS), which is a link to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. NTQLS has been working for the last 7 years to help people get rid of tobacco and smoking addiction.

Adding further, Dr Kumar said, “The counselling and guidance provided by the NTQLS’ call centre have been very useful to the people who are tobacco users but want to quit at the earliest.” 

The National Tobacco Cessation Service (NTQLS) was initially established in a single room with 6 counsellor stations, and it was expanded in 2020 by the Union Minister of State for Health, Ashwini Kumar Choubey. However, presently, the number of counsellors and other staff has increased to 64. They serve in two shifts from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.