The Directorate of Health Services, Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and UPVHA, organized the State-Level Sensitization Workshop and Launch of the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0 on 16th October 2025 at Regenta Central, Lucknow. The event also marked the release of the Health Worker Guideline (Hindi Version), Tobacco Cessation Reference Guide, and Vision Document for Tobacco Cessation. The initiative aims to empower health workers and strengthen tobacco cessation services across the state.
The program was graced by Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Medical Health & Family Welfare & Medical Education, GoUP, as Chief Guest, and Dr. Pinky Jowel (IAS), Mission Director, NHM, as Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries included Dr. Ratan Pal Singh Suman, Dr. Sanju Agarwal, Dr. Mukesh Matanheliya, and representatives from Vital Strategies and UPVHA. Over 115 delegates from various districts, medical colleges, and allied departments attended the workshop.
Speakers emphasized the importance of youth engagement, inter-departmental collaboration, and enforcement of tobacco control laws under COTPA and PECA. ACS Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh assured close monitoring of the campaign and called for collective action to reduce youth tobacco use. Dr. Pinky Jowel stressed strengthening de-addiction services and value-based education in schools. Experts from Vital Strategies shared evidence-based approaches and cessation models for effective implementation.
District-level teams presented action plans focusing on awareness drives, training of health workers, and establishment of tobacco-free villages and institutions. Follow-up actions include displaying quitline numbers, ensuring brief advice at all health facilities, and integrating cessation services with other health programs. UPVHA was recognized for its outstanding contribution and leadership in promoting tobacco control initiatives across Uttar Pradesh.
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