Mukthi Clinic Launch

Tobacco is consumed across all age groups—from children to the elderly—and remains one of the major contributors to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cancer. These life-threatening conditions continue to be pressing public health concerns in India. As quitting tobacco is often a long and difficult journey, it is essential to provide consistent, professional support to individuals seeking to break free from addiction.

In response to this urgent need, the Ramaiah Institute of Nursing Education and Research (RINER), in collaboration with the Sanjaynagar Primary Health Centre (PHC), has launched MUKTHI — a community-based Tobacco Cessation Clinic. The word MUKTHI, meaning freedom, symbolizes the clinic’s mission to help individuals free themselves from tobacco dependence. The clinic uses motivational interview technique to offer personalized counselling, sustained encouragement, and professional guidance. In addition to helping tobacco users, the clinic also supports individuals with tobacco-related health issues and offers counselling for family members who wish to help their loved ones quit. Services are provided in a non-judgmental, evidence-based environment. Operated by RINER faculty trained at NIMHANS, the clinic is open to the public every Tuesday and Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and all services are offered free of cost.

The MUKTHI Clinic was officially inaugurated on 6th May 2025 in the presence of Dr. Sonali Jadhav Tarachand, Dean and Principal of RINER; Dr. Rakshith R, Medical Officer, Sanjaynagar Urban Health Centre, Dr. Prathap Lingaiah, State NSS Officer, Government of Karnataka and Rotarian Raveendra M., President of Rotary, Bangalore Manyata. This initiative stands out as a unique and innovative public-private partnership, primarily focused on benefiting individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds.