Annual Warning on Tobacco Hazards: Wockhardt Hospital in Mira Road Warns of Escalating Tobacco Dependency, Calls for Immediate Action
Mira Road, Maharashtra: Wockhardt Hospital has raised concerns over the persistent use of tobacco in the community, urging for science-driven action to combat this addiction. A recent hospital survey of over 1,000 participants revealed that many struggle with quitting tobacco despite growing awareness of the health risks.
The survey findings indicate a high number of regular tobacco users, many of whom also consume alcohol, which increases health risks. Dr. Tirathram Kaushik, Consultant Oncosurgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, states that the combination of tobacco and alcohol increases the risk of oral, throat, and esophageal cancers.
Dr. Kaushik emphasizes that addressing tobacco addiction involves more than individual determination. He draws attention to nicotine as a highly addictive substance, advocating for treatment similar to other serious medical dependencies. A comprehensive approach is deemed essential, including pharmacological therapies, psychological counseling, and community-based support programs.
According to the survey data, while many participants were aware of the dangers of tobacco and had made attempts to quit, the success rate was low. Wockhardt Hospitals is now advocating for local authorities, schools, and public health bodies to collaborate on sustained anti-tobacco initiatives. These initiatives could include better access to nicotine replacement therapies, integration of cessation programs in primary care, and the employment of digital platforms to engage youth.
Dr. Kaushik emphasizes the need for science-backed, comprehensive intervention. "Each individual who quits tobacco is a life saved," he states. The Jagjivan Ram Hospital of Western Railway celebrated World No Tobacco Day, joining efforts to combat tobacco addiction in communities.
In addressing tobacco addiction, healthcare professionals often recommend pharmacological therapies like Nicotine Replacement Therapy and prescription medications, counseling and behavioral support, community-level interventions, and the use of digital tools and resources. However, specific advice may vary based on unique findings or approaches.
- Wockhardt Hospital, in Mira Road, Maharashtra, appeals for scientific measures to address the persistent use of tobacco and alcohol among locals, which increased health risks.
- The survey by Wockhardt Hospitals revealed that many residents struggle to quit tobacco despite being aware of the related health-and-wellness concerns, particularly mental-health issues and medical-conditions.
- Dr. Tirathram Kaushik, Consultant Oncosurgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, encourages the use of therapies-and-treatments similar to those for other serious medical dependencies, such as pharmacological therapies, psychological counseling, and community-based support programs.
- In an effort to combat tobacco addiction, Wockhardt Hospitals proposes collaborations with local authorities, schools, and public health bodies to implement initiatives, including access to nicotine replacement therapies, integration of cessation programs in primary care, and the utilization of digital platforms to engage the youth in health-and-wellness discussions, with a focus on mental-health and CBD use.
