The Department of Community Medicine, HIMS, in collaboration with the Cancer Research Institute, SRHU, organized the UTFC Quarterly Review Meeting on March 22, 2025, with technical support from Balajee Sewa Sansthan, Dehradun, and Vital Strategies, New Delhi. The meeting focused on strengthening tobacco control initiatives in Uttarakhand through awareness, policy implementation, and community engagement.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Prem Kr Taneja, Chairperson, UTFC, followed by expert discussions led by Dr. Hem Chandra Pandey and Dr. Sunil Saini. Mr. Awadhesh Kumar, Executive Director, Balajee Sewa Sansthan, emphasized the urgent need to curb tobacco use through stricter regulations, youth awareness programs, and cessation support services.

Dr. Rana J. Singh, Director, Tobacco Control, SEA, Vital Strategies, highlighted the rising burden of tobacco-related diseases and the importance of robust policies, stakeholder involvement, and grassroots-level awareness. Dr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Secretary, UTFC, provided an update on UTFC’s progress, including awareness campaigns, school collaborations, and the implementation of tobacco-free zones.

Representing HIMS, SRHU, Dr. Shaili Vyas shared key initiatives such as school outreach programs, health promotion activities, and community engagement efforts aimed at reducing tobacco consumption. Dr. Neha Sharma outlined the way forward, stressing the need for strengthened cessation services, behavioral counseling, nicotine replacement therapies, and digital outreach strategies.

The meeting reinforced the collective commitment of healthcare institutions, NGOs, and policymakers to achieving a tobacco-free Uttarakhand through sustained efforts in awareness, policy enforcement, and community participation.