NOHP Puducherry -“Orientation and training programme for healthcare professionals on Tobacco cessation counselling methods”

Trained professionals can recognize tobacco users early, assess their dependence, and provide timely interventions to prevent long-term health complications. Around 92 health care professionals working in the area of tobacco cessation were trained at IGMCRI, Kathirkamam on techniques like Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which help in addressing addiction, reinforcing self-motivation, and preventing relapse. This training helps healthcare providers offer a combination of counseling and medications like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and bupropion, improving quit rates. The workshop was given a positive feedback reinforcing the success of conducting such workshops.