In a groundbreaking achievement, Government Dental College and Hospital, Nagpur, has emerged as the nation’s leader in tobacco cessation, clinching First Prize for the World No Tobacco Day Awards! This national accolade was presented during the National Level Training and Capacity Building of Dental Professionals in Tobacco Cessation event, held at the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), New Delhi, in collaboration with the National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
The award ceremony was graced by key dignitaries, including Chief Guest Smt. Aradhana Patnaik (IAS), Additional Secretary and Managing Director of NHM, MoHFW; Shri S.K. Jain (IAS), Special Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, GNCT of Delhi; Dr. L. Swasticharan, Additional DDG, NOHP, MoHFW; and other prominent figures in the field of dental and tobacco cessation programs.
The award honours the institute’s dedicated 15-day campaign for World No Tobacco Day, featuring various anti-tobacco initiatives. These activities aimed to raise awareness, reduce tobacco use, and promote cessation among diverse groups, including school children, adolescents, pregnant women, and construction workers. Under the leadership of Dean Dr. Abhay Datarkar and the guidance of the Head of Department Dr. Sachin Khatri, the Department of Public Health Dentistry was central to these efforts. Faculty members Dr. Noopur Kokane, Dr. Shilpa Warheker, and Dr. Aniket Dhote, along with their committed students, created impactful Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, conducted cessation counseling, and led community interventions. Their tireless collaboration earned the institution this prestigious recognition and significantly impacted many lives through tobacco cessation initiatives.
This landmark achievement is a testament to the relentless dedication, hard work, and collaboration of the entire team at Government Dental College, Nagpur. It reinforces the institute’s position as a national leader in the fight against tobacco addiction and its ongoing commitment to advancing dental education, public health, and oral care for the betterment of the nation.