Kolkata, 30 May 2025
On the eve of World No Tobacco Day 2025, Desun Hospital announces the launch of a deeply human initiative — “My Last Cigarette” — a focused programme dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey to quit tobacco use. Starting 31st May, this campaign reflects Desun’s unwavering commitment to preventive healthcare and community well-being.
Tobacco addiction continues to be one of the world’s deadliest habits, claiming millions of lives annually through heart disease, stroke, cancer, and respiratory illnesses. Recognizing the complex emotional and physiological journey of quitting, Desun’s initiative is designed not just as a public campaign but as a personal support system for every participant. At the heart of the programme lies a simple but powerful idea — every person trying to quit deserves encouragement, information, and care.
From 31st May, individuals can visit Desun Hospital to take a formal pledge to quit smoking and consumption of tobacco in other forms. In return, they will receive a ‘Certificate of Commitment’, a keepsake memento, and after successfully staying tobacco-free for a week, a complimentary healthcare package to support their recovery. This initiative is not just symbolic; it marks the beginning of a life-changing transformation.
On 30th May, Desun hosted a panel discussion featuring leading medical experts who spoke on the urgent need to quit tobacco and the benefits of timely intervention. The speakers included Dr. Sanjib Kumar Patra (Director, Cardiology), Dr. Sreya Mallik (Consultant, Medical Oncology), and Dr. Madhu Priya (Consultant, Pulmonology), with Dr. Sujoy Ranjan Deb (Medical Director), moderating the insightful discussion.
Dr. Sujoy Ranjan Deb stated, “Tobacco doesn’t just damage the lungs, it poisons the heart, the brain, and the hope of a healthy future. The sooner one stops, the faster the body begins to heal. Quitting smoking is not just a medical decision, it’s a courageous step towards reclaiming life. At Desun, we want to walk this journey with people, not lecture them, but support them, every day they choose to say no to tobacco.”
Speaking about the inspiration behind the campaign, Ms. Shaoli Dutta, Group Director, Desun Hospital, said, “The ‘My Last Cigarette’ initiative is about real people, real battles, and real victories. We are not just raising awareness, we are building a movement of empathy, healing, and community strength. We want to remind people that it’s never too late to quit, and they don’t have to do it alone.”
The World Health Organisation has set the theme for World No Tobacco Day 2025 as “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”. Desun’s initiative aligns with the global call to reduce tobacco use, and with a strong, human-centred approach, aims to create a lasting impact, not only on individual lives, but on the collective health of our society.
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