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

Abstract 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 on 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.