In a significant stride towards public health and wellness, the Department of Community Medicine and the Department of Psychiatry at AVMCH have taken a commendable step by inaugurating a new Tobacco Cessation Centre. This facility has been established at multiple locations, including UHTC, Ariyankuppam, and RHTC Chinna Kanganankuppam, as well as the Psychiatry OPD at AVMC Hospital. The inauguration ceremony happened on 26 July 2024 and was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. C. Venkatesh, who serves as the State TB Officer and Nodal Officer for the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), along with Dr R. Suriya Kumar, the State Consultant for NTCP and Dr Rakesh Sehgal, the Dean of AVMCH.
The launch of the Tobacco Cessation Centre is a testament to AVMCH’s dedication to combating the tobacco epidemic that plagues our society. Tobacco use is a critical public health challenge, and the establishment of this centre is a proactive measure to curb its prevalence. The center aims to provide comprehensive support and treatment services to individuals seeking to overcome tobacco addiction, thereby contributing to the betterment of community health.
On the auspicious occasion of the centre’s inauguration, AVMCH also organized a sensitization program for the non-teaching staff. This program is part of a broader initiative to educate and empower all members of the institution regarding the dangers of tobacco use and the importance of cessation efforts.