100+ Police officials gather to pledge against tobacco addiction in a unique initiative by Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital

 by Samiksha Chogule

To mark the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, the hospital hosted an awareness workshop on the perils of tobacco use

Mumbai, May 30, 2023: Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital (HN RFH) hosted a workshop for over 100 policemen on how to curb tobacco addiction. They also pledged against its use to mark the occasion of World No Tobacco Day tomorrow. Through this initiative, HN RFH aims to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco addiction and to pledge against tobacco consumption, and move a step further towards better health and cancer-free lives. 

In India, around 28.6% of adults use tobacco. These alarming statistics translate into a substantial burden of tobacco-related cancer in the country. In India, tobacco use is responsible for nearly 50% of all cancer cases, including lung and head and neck cancers, making it the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Implementing prevention over cure, HN RFH aims to spread awareness and save lives through this initiative.

Dr. Tarang Gianchandani, CEO, of Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, said, “We at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital are committed to providing best-in-class care across specialties including Oncology. With this initiative, we hope to take an effective step towards encouraging cancer prevention by spreading more awareness and accountability to curb tobacco use. We are grateful to the policemen of our city for the work they do and are honored to have them here today. We will continue our initiatives to educate and empower maximum people on the perils of tobacco use; as prevention is the key to a better and healthier society.”

The workshop was conducted by senior doctors like Dr. Suresh Advani, Mentor, Dr. Vijay Haribhakti, Director Onco Sciences, Dr Sewanti Limaye, Director, of Medical Oncology and Precision Oncology, and Dr. Prasad Dandekar, Head of Radiation Oncology. The discussion focused on ailments caused by tobacco consumption and dwelled on educating and highlighting the ill effects of tobacco use, ways of quitting, and preventing future generations from this habit. 

Dr. Vijay Haribhakti, Director, Onco-science, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, expressed, “Tobacco alone is responsible for 50% of cancer incidence in the country. Policemen are a crucial pillar on which the city stands tall. Their good health, therefore, becomes even more critical. We are proud to host them here and encourage them to pledge against the use of tobacco. The major focus of the activity remains on the awareness, prevention, and treatment of oral cancer. Similarly, there are other measures that can help prevent oral cancer. Healthcare continues to evolve as it is working hand-in-hand with technology, modern science, and advanced medicine in order to treat cancer and provide quality of life to patients.” 

Dr Sewanti Limaye, Director, Medical Oncology and Precision Oncology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital pointed out, “With cancer being amongst the most researched diseases in the world, there is no single cause and no single cure. However, tobacco is one of the many proven carcinogens that are DNA-damaging, and cause carcinogenesis. No organ is spared when it comes to carcinogenic impact of tobacco in its different forms. With cancer, it is always for the best to not take major risks and choose prevention over cure. Curbing proven carcinogens is the first step in walking towards a cancer-free world. We come together to welcome our policemen who stand together to protect us from harm and just like them, we must come together to protect them from ill effects of tobacco use by raising awareness regarding tobacco cessation and empowering them to remain cancer free by introducing cancer screening programs” 

Dr. Mohit Garg (IPS) Deputy Commissioner of Police Zone 2 Mumbai, said, “Lawfully protecting the citizens from crime and monitoring the nation is what we as law enforcement professionals strive for. Maintaining good health would allow us to grow our vision of a lawful nation. To be able to quit something which hampers our being is tough yet much needed. I am most grateful to partner with Sir HN Reliance in order to encourage good health and longer lives for my officers.” 

To formalize the pledge, the policemen placed handprints dipped in paint on a pledge wall created at the hospital. 

About HN Reliance Foundation Hospital: Located in Girgaon, Mumbai, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital is a 345-bed, multi-Speciality tertiary care hospital with top level expertise in areas of Cardiac Sciences, Oncology, Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary Sciences, Liver Transplant, Nephro-Urology, Neuro Sciences, Orthopaedics & Spine, and Woman & Child Health. The Hospital has a medical Mall with progressive diagnostic services, including Laboratories, Radiology & Imaging, and Nuclear Medicine. This is a technologically-advanced institution designed to international standards and the most stringent criteria in infrastructure, medical care, fire-safety norms, and environmental guidelines.