Table of Contents
- Introduction: India’s Tobacco Challenge
- Overview of the National Tobacco Quitline Service
- Success Statistics and Challenges
- Counselling Methods and Training
- Expansion and National Network
- Future Approaches and Innovations
- Conclusion: One Call at a Time
Introduction: India’s Tobacco Challenge
Tobacco addiction remains a critical public health issue in India, contributing to chronic diseases and preventable deaths DU Patel Chest Institute tobacco cessation. Delhi University’s Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI) has emerged as a national leader in combating this crisis through its National Tobacco Quitline Service. Each incoming call represents an opportunity to help someone overcome nicotine dependence and improve health outcomes for themselves and their families.
Overview of the National Tobacco Quitline Service
The National Tobacco Quitline Service, operated by VPCI, registers thousands of calls annually. In 2024 alone, the Quitline received 94,788 calls, reflecting both the prevalence of tobacco use and growing awareness about quitting. Callers are guided through a structured process, including setting a personalized “quit date” and receiving proactive follow-up calls over a year.
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The service focuses on providing psychological support, behavioural strategies, and motivation to ensure long-term success. Calls are made in 15 languages, increasing accessibility across India’s diverse population. Users range from young adults under 34 to older tobacco users, with a significant proportion being men and smokeless tobacco consumers DU Patel Chest Institute tobacco cessation.
Success Statistics and Challenges
Quitting tobacco is challenging, and the Quitline’s follow-up statistics highlight the complexities. Engagement declines over successive calls: 61% answer the second call, 33% the third, and 26.9% remain connected until the fourth. Despite this, 19,253 individuals successfully quit in 2024, achieving a success rate of 20.31%.
- Minimal relapses are reported, although under-reporting is expected due to stigma.
- Participation varies regionally; Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh account for most callers.
- Delhi reported 3,369 calls in 2024, placing it mid-range nationally.
Most callers are from the unorganized workforce—drivers, plumbers, and shop assistants—who often initiate tobacco use early and have limited support structures.
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Counselling Methods and Training
VPCI employs 100 counsellors trained in psychology and social work. They use WHO-recommended techniques, including the 5As and 5Rs frameworks, danger-situation recognition, and coping-skill development. Counsellors conduct initial conversational registration, avoiding formal surveys, to make the process comfortable for users.
Proactive counselling includes pre-quit calls, quit-day calls, and follow-ups at one month, three months, six months, and one year. This approach ensures that users feel supported and accountable throughout their quitting journey. VPCI Director Raj Kumar emphasizes, “Addiction is emotional. When someone believes we are invested in their journey, they commit more.”
Expansion and National Network
Since 2018, the Union Health Ministry has expanded the Quitline to regional centres in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Guwahati. These centres replicate VPCI’s model, delivering services in multiple languages and handling nearly 15,000 calls daily nationwide. The expansion ensures accessibility for diverse populations, promoting consistent tobacco cessation interventions across India.
Future Approaches and Innovations
Looking ahead, VPCI plans to integrate AI-supported counselling assistants to manage high call volumes and personalise interventions. Efforts include linking Quitline numbers to all tobacco products, raising awareness and encouraging more individuals to seek help. Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh describes the initiative as “a national contribution,” highlighting its impact on public health and society.
Conclusion: One Call at a Time
The Patel Chest Institute’s National Tobacco Quitline Service demonstrates how proactive, personalized counselling can transform public health. Each successful quit story represents not just a healthier individual, but a positive ripple effect on families and communities. As counsellors continue their relentless efforts, India’s battle against tobacco addiction moves forward, one call at a time.
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By The News Update— Updated 29 November 2025
