Bangalore, June 29: Now help is at hand for those who want to give up the 'cancer stick'. With as many as 2,500 Indians dying every day due to tobacco related diseases, the Tobacco Cessation Clinic (TCC) set up by Nimhans here is assisting tobacco users overcome the addiction through counselling and quitting support. The one year-old centre, the first of its kind in the country, plans to extend scope of its activities this year by training other specialists in the area so that "help is there in each region of the country for tobacco addicts,” Dr Pratima Murthy, assistant professor, department of psychiatry who is also a co-investigator at the clinic, told newspersons.

"We are also keen to collaborate with interested agencies, NGOs and companies to transfer our skills and we hope we will be able to train many more people," Dr Vivek Benegal, also a co-investigator, said.

"Around 225 persons have sought help till now and a three-month follow up on about two thirds patients has been suggested.” Out of the 165 who have completed a three-month follow up, 20 per cent have quit and 37 per cent have reduced their intake,” Murthy said.
A multi-centre initiative, TCC has 12 such clinics spread all over the country, she said.

Bureau Report