Anti Tobacco Volunteers as a part of Tobacco Control Strategy in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

In this era of global tobacco epidemic, any strategy that aims at motivating people to quit smoking earns credibility. An attempt has been made to curb smoking in a tertiary care Institute in northern India. To elicit better community participation, the idea of Anti Tobacco Volunteers (ATV) was floated. One hundred and fifty six volunteers got themselves enrolled and vowed to work for the noble cause. The spectrum of volunteers included the faculty members, resident doctors, nurses, employees' union and other administrative staff. ATVs are active in discharging their duties. A check has been made on the sale of tobacco and related products on the campus. The prevalence of smoking on the campus has come down. The overall impact of ATV has been commendable.