India Quitline — National Tobacco Quitline (NTQLS) – 1800 112 356

Frequently asked questions

Is there a national tobacco quitline in India?

Yes. The National Tobacco Quit Line Services (NTQLS) operate on the toll-free number 1800 112 356, set up by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The service began in 2016 at the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute in Delhi and has since expanded through regional centres. Trained counsellors give free, evidence-based help to anyone trying to quit tobacco.

Source: National Tobacco Quit Line Services (NTQLS) — Ministry of Health & Family Welfare , WHO India — When quitting equals winning

Is help to quit tobacco free in India?

Yes. Calls to the National Tobacco Quitline on 1800 112 356 are toll-free and confidential, and the counselling itself costs nothing. The separate mCessation text-message programme is also free and does not need an internet connection. Both are run by the government under the National Tobacco Control Programme.

Source: National Tobacco Quit Line Services (NTQLS) — Ministry of Health & Family Welfare , mCessation Programme — National Tobacco Control Programme (MoHFW)

What languages is the quitline available in?

The quitline answers in Hindi, English and more than fifteen regional Indian languages, supported by regional centres in places such as Guwahati, Bengaluru and Mumbai. This makes it possible to receive counselling in many of the languages spoken across the country. The mCessation text programme is offered in Hindi and English.

Source: WHO India — When quitting equals winning , National Tobacco Quit Line Services (NTQLS) — Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

What is the mCessation programme and how do I join?

mCessation is a free text-message programme from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare that supports people trying to quit tobacco. To join, give a missed call to 011 22901701; you will then receive a series of SMS messages tailored to your quit plan. It needs no internet connection and is available in Hindi and English.

Source: mCessation Programme — National Tobacco Control Programme (MoHFW) , National Health Portal — Quit Tobacco

Does it help with smokeless tobacco (gutka, khaini), not just smoking?

Yes. The quitline supports people who want to stop using tobacco in any form, including smokeless products like gutka, khaini and zarda, which are very common in India, as well as cigarettes and bidis. Counsellors tailor their advice to the type of tobacco you use and how dependent you are.

Source: National Tobacco Quit Line Services (NTQLS) — Ministry of Health & Family Welfare , WHO India — When quitting equals winning