Mumbai, May 31, 2025: On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2025, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre in association with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) – G North Ward unveiled impactful public installations at Shivaji Park and Dadar Kabutarkhana to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use in India particularly among the youth. These installations emphasizes the alarming rise in cancer and chronic lung diseases linked to tobacco consumption, underlining the urgent need for preventive action and greater awareness.
Tobacco continues to be one of India’s most critical public health challenges. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including cancer, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease and stroke leading to approximately 1.35 million deaths every year. As per the Global Audit Tobacco Survey 2016-17, 29% of Indian adults aged 15 and above use tobacco mostly in smokeless forms such as khaini, gutkha and betel quid with tobacco.
Mr. Joy Chakraborty, COO, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, said, “At P.D Hinduja Hospital our mission extends beyond patient care to fostering healthier communities. Tobacco remains a silent yet significant threat, often underestimated until the damage is done. These installations are being set up not just to inform, but to provoke reflection on how deeply tobacco has embedded itself in our society. By encouraging early awareness, we aim to spark meaningful conversations and support healthier choices especially among youths.”
Mr Vispute, Asst., Commissioner of G North from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), said, “In India, the second-largest producer of tobacco in the world tobacco remains a leading cause of cancer and respiratory illnesses but knowledge is worryingly low. Today many young individuals misjudge the long-term repercussions of tobacco use and continue its consumptions. Through this installation, we hope to educate and engager people—especially our younger generation—to make educated choices and avoid the permanent damage that tobacco causes.”
Dr. Lancelot Pinto, Consultant – Pulmonologist at P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, said, ”Tobacco-related illnesses often develop gradually, but their impact can be profound. Tobacco use is a leading contributor to a host of debilitating diseases from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to various forms of cancer. Clinically, we see its devastating effects far too often, often when it’s too late. This initiative is a crucial reminder that tobacco is not just a habit it is a potent health hazard. Awareness is the first intervention and timely cessation can make all the difference.”
As India marks World No Tobacco Day, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre believes that this installation will serve as an important reminder on the urgent need to address tobacco epidemic in India. It is critical that people and communities at large understand the health impact of tobacco use and make informed decision. Through this installation, the hospital aims to encourage people to stop, think, and stand firmly against tobacco, not only for themselves but also for future generations.
About P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre
P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, part of the Hinduja Group, started as a clinic in 1951 and is today ranked as one of the leading multi-specialty tertiary care hospitals in the country. For over seven decades, this institute has worked to ensure that world-class healthcare delivery is provided to all. It currently has two units, one at Mahim with 400 beds and the other at Khar with 100 beds. Both the units are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and has on-board some of the best nationally and internationally recognised doctors. P. D. Hinduja Hospital, Mahim has always been an early adopter of technology in delivery of care; being amongst the first few hospitals in the country to bring in the most advanced fully integrated Robotics System, Gama Knife, Digital Broadband MRI with ambient themes, True Beam Linear Accelerator and more. Quality care being the focus, it was amongst the early few hospitals that has been accredited and certified by NABH, CAP, and ISO. It continues to partner with leading International Institutes, latest being an arrangement with The Division of AIDS (NIAID, NIH), U.S.A, to establish a centre of excellence for infectious disease research in India. P. D. Hinduja Hospital has consistently been bestowed with several Best Multi-Specialty Hospital awards by different industry bodies. In the Newsweek World’s Best Hospital Survey in 2020 and 2021, it was ranked No.1 in western India, 3rd amongst private hospitals in India and 6th amongst all hospitals in India. On the Charity front, the hospital provides free or concessional treatment to the needy and also runs the Serve with Passion rural health programme, under which free healthcare services are provided to the tribal areas in Maharashtra.
For further information, please contact:
P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre
Dr. Bindu Chauhan (9773421118)
bindu.chauhan@hindujahospital.com
Kshitija Deshmukh (9820570161)
kshitija.deshmukh@hindujahospital.com
PR Agency – MSL GROUP
Dhairya Chheda (9619280205)
dhairya.chheda@mslgroup.com
