Medical & Behavioral Support

Multiple high-quality systematic reviews and clinical guidelines show thatcombining pharmacological treatment with behavioural support increases the chances of successfully quitting tobacco )compared with minimal or usual care.

• Tobacco Cessation Centres (TCCs): Established in district hospitals, medical colleges, and dental colleges across the country, these centers offer counseling and, if needed, pharmacological treatments like nicotine chewing gums or patches (Nicotine Replacement Therapy – NRT). (National Tobacco Control Programme, 2018).
• A Cochrane systematic review (53 studies, ~25,000 participants) found high-quality evidence that combining pharmacotherapy (e.g., nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, varenicline) with behavioural support significantly increases quitting success compared with minimal intervention or usual care (relative increase in quit rates: ~83–97%).