The department of National Tobacco Quitline Services is dedicated towards the work of tobacco cessation among people across the nation through the medium of telephonic counseling. The department was set-up in the year 2016 in the premises of Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi. It is an initiative taken by Ministry of Health & Family welfare, Government of India. The rationale behind such an initiative was the increasing number of ailments and subsequent deaths caused by the use of tobacco by the individuals of different age groups.
With the aim of reaching to the masses and extending aid, the telephonic quit line concept was introduced in India and NTQLS Delhi became the first quit line center to work for the Welfare of people who wish to quit tobacco use. The process of quitting is now feasible as any person who is willing to quit tobacco can access the service through Toll free number 1800112356 present on all tobacco products. The counseling is offered in two languages, Hindi & English by the professionals for 6 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm except Mondays.
The Government has established a National level tobacco cessation Quitline in Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI), New Delhi with a toll free number (1800-11-2356) and the services have been expanded to regional satellite centres since 2018.