Doctor-led campaign to make India addiction-free garners over 1,000 signatures

The signatures are being compiled and shared with health organisations and policymakers, including the Prime Minister's Office, to advocate for stringent measures in tobacco cessation.

New Delhi: Over 1,000 doctors, public health experts, and undergraduate and postgraduate medical students have signed to support the initiative "Nasha Mukti Indradhanush Abhiyan India" for a tobacco-free future.

Launched by the Asian Coalition for Health Empowerment (ACHE) in collaboration with Doctors Against Addiction (DAD), this signature campaign garners support from medical professionals and the public, paving the way for a healthier, addiction-free India.

Over the past eight months, the campaign has seen a remarkable response, Dr Narender Saini, Former General Secretary of the Indian Medical Association, said.

These signatures are being compiled and shared with health organisations and policymakers, including the Prime Minister's Office, to advocate for stringent measures in tobacco cessation.

Dr Saini asserted, "The Nasha Mukti Indradhanush Abhiyan India is not just a campaign, it's a movement towards a healthier future. The campaign embodies a comprehensive strategy to eradicate the grip of tobacco addiction while advocating for stricter policies to curb its use and other harmful substances."

"We are witnessing a dynamic shift in how tobacco cessation is approached. The collective efforts of our dedicated healthcare professionals and the broader community in dispelling myths and fostering awareness are crucial steps toward a healthier society," he said.

The campaign's focus extends beyond tobacco, targeting addictions like drugs, alcohol, and even smartphone overuse, he elaborated.

It aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal-3 (SDG-3), which emphasises ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages, embodying a preventive and curative approach to tackling the crisis.

Dr Pawan Gupta, Senior Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine, BLK-MAX Super Speciality Hospital Delhi, emphasised the campaign's comprehensive approach, saying, "We are witnessing a paradigm shift. Our strategy integrates global best practices with local insights, ensuring a robust framework for tackling addiction."

By uniting healthcare professionals and concerned citizens, this campaign creates a powerful voice to advocate for better health practices and policies. Dr Gupta said this holistic approach is crucial for achieving our goals and making a lasting impact on public health.

Dr Sunaina Soni, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, said, "The overwhelming response from the medical community indicates the campaign's importance. The signatures we've gathered will drive significant policy changes, making a tangible difference in the fight against addiction."

"Through this campaign, we're not just collecting signatures, we are inspiring hope and accountability. It is about empowering individuals and communities to believe in and strive for a tobacco-free future."