Srinagar, June 5 : The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Srinagar, today marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Tobacco Cessation Centre in University Health Centre at University of Kashmir campus, Hazratbal, Srinagar. This initiative aims to promote a tobacco-free environment and provide dedicated support services to individuals seeking to quit tobacco use.
The inaugural event was graced by Chief Guest Professor Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir, who emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering a healthier campus and society. She emphasized that the centre will provide training and shall work hard in promoting a peer approach and creating mentors who shall help at the ground level in tobacco cessation services. The guest of honour for the occasion Prof (Dr) Sandeep Kour Bali, Principal/ Dean, Government Dental College and Hospital Srinagar highlighted the urgent need for such interventions amidst growing concerns over tobacco-related health issues in the region. Prof. (Dr) Sandeep Kour Bali, Principal/ Dean, Govt. Dental College and Hospital, Srinagar added, “Through this centre, we aim to provide comprehensive tobacco cessation services including behavioral counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and awareness programs. Our collaboration with the University will strengthen outreach and prevention efforts.” Speaking on the occasion, Professor Nilofer Khan stated, “The University of Kashmir is proud to partner with the Government Dental College and Hospital in this crucial public health initiative. This centre is a step towards empowering our students, staff, and community members with the resources and counseling necessary to lead healthier, tobacco-free lives.”
Adding further significance to the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed between the University of Kashmir and the Government Dental College and Hospital Srinagar, outlining a collaborative framework for the functioning and sustainability of the Tobacco Cessation Centre. Both the parties agreed to formulate a roadmap to strengthen and elaborate the services in the best possible methodology.
The newly inaugurated centre will function under the supervision of trained dental and public health professionals, offering free consultation and follow-up services. Health professionals from the health centre university of Kashmir and Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Srinagar shall manage the services at the newly inaugurated TCC centre.
Speaking on the event the Head, Department of Public health Dentistry, Dr Aasim Farooq Shah said that this initiative aligns with national public health goals and underscores the shared responsibility of academic and healthcare institutions in promoting preventive healthcare and behavioural change. It was stated that the centre shall work as per the norms and Operational Guidelines of DCI and NMC for tobacco cessation centres. He added that this centre shall provide both non-pharmacological and pharmacological assistance to the beneficiaries across various departments of the Univerersity through collaboration with University health centre. He said that the launch of this Tobacco cessation centre is a testament to the Public health dentistry department’s dedication in combating the tobacco epidemic.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Khalid in charge of Dental section at University Health centre said that in line with our commitment to promote public health and combating the adverse effects of tobacco use this Tobacco Cessation centre was established at university Health Centre, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Dr Khalid further added that this initiative aligns with the Tobacco Free youth 2.0 campaign which aims to educate young people about the dangers of tobacco and substance abuse.