MUMBAI: Gleneagles Global Hospitals has launched ‘S.O.O.N - Quit Tobacco’, which is an acronym for -- Save Our Organs Now on the occasion of World No-Tobacco Day. A month-long campaign aims to raise awareness on the ill-effects of smoking and consumption of tobacco.

For a condition that can be treated and prevented easily through regular screening and consultation, the goal of this campaign is to reach as many people as possible. The word ‘S.O.O.N’ highlights the entire purpose of this launch which focuses on the need for reacting quickly and spreading awareness on the hazards of tobacco which not just affects the person himself but also the ones who’re around.

Parkway Pantai CEO India operations Ramesh Krishnan said, “Our endeavour at Gleneagles has always been to create awareness around life threatening diseases and its causes. Through our nationwide campaign ‘S.O.O.N - Quit Tobacco’, we aim to reach out to the masses and urge upon the need of quitting tobacco; a step towards saving oneself from serious ailments. Through our series of initiatives, our focus has been on creating a movement to promote healthy living; ensuring quality healthcare services.”

India is the second largest consumer and third largest producer of tobacco in the world. As per the WHO estimation, one out of two young people who continue smoking throughout their lives will lead to tobacco-related cancer. Smoking and consumption of tobacco affects almost every major organ like lungs, kidney, throat, mouth and breast which leads to morbidity and untimely deaths. Studies show that, with time, organs slowly recover from the damage post quitting.

Through this campaign, Gleneagles Global Hospitals is spreading awareness on health risks from tobacco and the importance and the consequences of organ damage.