A study to evaluate availability of tobacco cessation services in Bengaluru, India.

BACKGROUND: In India, 28.6 % of the population use tobacco products. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: To evaluate the availability of tobacco cessation services in 101 hospitals in Bengaluru. RESULTS: Only 4 out of 101 hospitals evaluated had a separate Tobacco Cessation Clinic; 24 % provided minimal services for people with addiction related problems; 28 % had at least one resident counsellor; additional 10 % had a visiting counsellor. All four of them provided counselling and medication. CONCLUSIONS: Availability of tobacco cessation services in Bengaluru is minimal. It is important to upscale availability of cessation services both for tobacco and other substance use.