Marking World No Tobacco Day, Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC) on Saturday raised awareness through a health camp that highlighted the far-reaching impact of tobacco use on individuals and families.
The programme, held at BMHRC’s Karond health centre, was organised by the hospital’s Tobacco Cessation Centre. Doctors from the departments of Pulmonology and Psychiatry addressed patients about the dangers of tobacco consumption.
Speaking on the occasion, officiating director Dr Manisha Srivastava said tobacco harms not just the user but their entire family. Young family members often pick up the habit by imitation.
She added that many youths in India suffer from cancer and even die due to tobacco addiction. The problem has reached such alarming levels that it has become a national health crisis.
Dr Srivastava urged patients to seek help at BMHRC’s Tobacco Cessation Clinic, which is open to all on any working day. The clinic offers both medication and counselling.
Professor Dr Mahesh Rathore from the Pulmonology Department stated that 90 per cent of lung cancer deaths are due to smoking. He also noted its link to severe COPD cases.
He warned that passive smokers—those who inhale second-hand smoke—are equally at risk of developing lung cancer. Fibrosis and long-term lung damage are also common outcomes.
Dr Rupesh Ranjan, Clinical Psychologist, shared disturbing statistics about tobacco-related harm, while Dr Sanjukta Ghosh of the Psychiatry Department explained the treatment approach at the clinic.
Dr Ghosh, who heads the Tobacco Cessation Clinic, said patients receive medication, psychological support, and behaviour therapy to help them quit and recover from nicotine dependence.