Inauguration of the Tobacco Cessation Centre and Tobacco Awareness Programme at BGS Medical College and Hospital, Nagaruru
The Department of Community Medicine successfully hosted a landmark event on June 18, 2026, marking the formal inauguration of the Tobacco Cessation Centre. Held in Lecture Hall 2, the ceremony served as a critical educational milestone for a diverse body of students, including first year MBBS cohorts, Foreign Medical Graduate interns, and students from the Ayurvedic stream. The establishment of this centre underscores the institutions commitment to proactive public health measures and the integration of specialized counseling services within the academic medical framework.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Sri Ramesh, Deputy Commissioner, who served as the guest of honor and emphasized the vital role of medical professionals in curbing the tobacco epidemic. Academic and clinical leaders including Dr. Virupaksha, Dr. Nikhil, and Dr. Babu Dilip were also in attendance, providing their expertise and support for the initiative. The collective presence of these distinguished guests highlighted the multisectoral importance of tobacco control in modern clinical practice and community health outreach.
Central to the events proceedings was an awareness session designed to educate the burgeoning medical community on the physiological and socio economic repercussions of tobacco use. To further this mission, the Tobacco Cessation Centre premiered an original short film titled Ondu Puff. This cinematic production was specifically developed by the centre to provide a compelling visual narrative on the immediate and long term hazards of smoking, serving as a pedagogical tool to equip students with the communication strategies necessary for future patient counseling and advocacy.
The inauguration concluded with an orientation on the operational protocols of the new Tobacco Cessation Centre. Students were briefed on the various processes and interventions that the facility will offer to individuals seeking to overcome nicotine dependence. By engaging students early in their medical careers, the Department of Community Medicine aims to foster a generation of healthcare providers who are not only aware of the pathological effects of tobacco but are also actively skilled in prevention and cessation techniques. This initiative represents a significant step forward in the universitys mission to promote holistic health and preventive medicine.
