CHANDIGARH, 11.08.25-The Resource Centre for Tobacco Control (RCTC), under the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh, in collaboration with Vital Strategies, successfully organized a two-day National Consultation on Tobacco Control Research Dissemination and Policy Translation on August 5–6, 2025.

The consultation convened over 30 distinguished experts, including researchers, government officials, academicians, public health leaders, and civil society members from across the country. The primary objective was to critically assess India’s tobacco control research ecosystem, identify thematic and systemic gaps in existing tobacco control research in India, and develop actionable strategies to align research with national and subnational policy needs.

Professor Dr. Sonu Goel, Director, RCTC and Professor at PGIMER, emphasized the need to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and public policy. “There is a growing body of evidence in tobacco control, but the challenge lies in its translation into effective programs and legislation,” he stated.

Prof. Arun Aggarwal, Head and Professor, Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, PGIMER, commended the consultation for its focused and well-defined objectives, noting its strong alignment with national priorities in tobacco control. He highlighted the initiative’s emphasis on state-specific documentation, evidence generation, and the successful application of the classical mentor–mentee model—approaches proven effective across public health domains. Congratulating the Resource Centre for Tobacco Control (RCTC) on receiving the WHO Regional Director’s Special Recognition Award, he lauded the team’s significant contributions.

Dr. Rana J. Singh, Director – Tobacco Control, South-East Asia, Vital Strategies, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the need for a robust research infrastructure aligned with national health priorities, especially in the context of evolving consumer behaviors and product innovations.

Addressing the gathering virtually, Dr. L. Swasticharan, Additional Deputy Director General, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, noted, “Evidence is the foundation of all successful tobacco control efforts—from the inception of the WHO FCTC to India’s decisive ban on e-cigarettes. As new threats like nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products emerge, our research must stay ahead of industry tactics.”

The consultation featured national and international experts from renowned institutions, including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, AIIMS Bathinda, Maulana Azad Medical College, Healis Sekhsaria Institute, State Nodal Officers (Tobacco Control), Central University of Jammu, MM University, and others.

A highlight of the event was the release of the 36th edition of Tobacco Free Times, themed “Emerging Threat of Herbal and Nicotine Products in India’s Tobacco Control Journey”.