Introduction:
Tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health problem. The environment is at the mercy of poisonous air pollutants by the cigarette smoke. Smokeless tobacco usage tend to stain the public places by spit and products packet discarded as waste. Healthcare facilities form the backbone of Health system. Cleanliness and hygiene in hospitals are critical. We bring an innovative approach to make our Hospitals Tobacco Free.

Objectives:
Perception and Compliance to tobacco free hospital among tobacco users and key observers visiting a tertiary care dental hospital in India using security guards.

Methods:
An exploratory study was conducted in dental hospital for duration of two months; baseline assessment followed by structured training of security guards (n-25) regarding various Sections of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act was conducted. All the patients and attendants (key observers) entering hospital premises were screened for tobacco products by security guards. If found carrying any form of tobacco products, they were confiscated. This was followed by a questionnaire based interview of tobacco users (n-223) and key observers who witnessed the event (n-107) regarding this tobacco control measure. The questionnaire included tobacco consumption pattern, appropriateness of the act, tobacco legislations and motivation to quit.

Results:
33.6% of those from whom tobacco packet was confiscated and 50% key observers were aware of tobacco control measures in public places. 69.2% of patients of from whom tobacco packets were confiscated and more than three fourth of the key observers felt that the act of taking away of tobacco will deter the use of tobacco leading to reduction in consumption rates. 40 patients availed tobacco cessation services of the hospital.

Conclusion(s):
Creation of tobacco free public places like parks, bus stops, hospitals is one of the key control measures if implemented well can demonstrate a health promotive environment for all.