For years, India’s tobacco control efforts focused largely on regulations, warning labels and restrictions. Yet for millions already addicted to tobacco, quitting remained a deeply personal battle with limited access to professional support.

Since its launch in 2016, the National Tobacco Quitline Services (NTQLS) has received nearly 1 crore calls, registered over 6.75 lakh tobacco users, conducted more than 37 lakh counselling sessions, and helped 2,32,870 Indians successfully quit tobacco.

Reflecting on the importance of awareness-led action, Shri Manoj Tiwari, Member of Parliament, North East Delhi, says, “India’s fight against tobacco cannot succeed through laws and regulations alone. Tobacco addiction affects not just individuals but entire families and communities. The National Tobacco Quitline Services has shown how accessible counselling and timely guidance can help people reclaim their health and future. Protecting young people from nicotine addiction is a collective national responsibility.”

The story behind the Quitline begins with a simple observation made years ago by Dr. Raj Kumar, Director of the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI) and Coordinator of NTQLS.

Over the years, the initiative has expanded its footprint across every state and union territory. Uttar Pradesh alone has contributed more than two lakh registrations, while young adults aged 18–24 years account for the largest share of successful quitters, highlighting a growing willingness among younger Indians to break free from nicotine dependence.

Public health experts believe the achievement is especially noteworthy given India’s enormous tobacco burden.

India is home to an estimated 267 million tobacco users, while tobacco-related diseases claim more than 1.35 million lives every year. Despite this, cessation services remain significantly underutilised and under-resourced.

Source: IndiaMed Today - June 1,2026