Leicester's Stop smoking service was the first in the country to become "e-cigarette" friendly.
It means people who want to use them can do so with the help of specialist advisers and the use of licensed products such a nicotine replacement patches.
But it is a controversial subject and two city GPs look at the arguments for and against.
Dr David Shepherd, a GP at the Saffron Group Practice, Saffron Lane, is not convinced about the argument.
He said: "My main reservations are that people using e-cig may be persuaded to keep smoking and take conventional cigarettes from time to time.
"There is no safe level of smoking and this means there will be a group who continue to be harmed.
Dr Shepherd added: "It worries me that the tobacco companies are generally in favour.
"If they thought it would damage their business interests they would be against them.
"So, either they are diversifying into e-cigs or they see it as a way of maintaining some of their business.
"It also worries me that e-cig may glamorise smoking again amongst younger people who may become addicted to its nicotine and may move on to using ordinary cigarettes.
"The only group who could benefit are people who would otherwise be unable or uninterested in giving up smoking.
"The use of e-cigs by these folk could reduce their exposure to the dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke.
"This of course is no substitute for giving up might be the least dangerous option.
"If GPs were going to advocate use of e-cig we need to be clear that we only endorse it as damage limitation for older people who are heavy smokers and unlikely to give up, but even then it's a poor second choice.
"I think there is a case that the e-cig should face the same restrictions as ordinary smoking such as not in public places."
Dr Paul Danaher, a GP at the Groby Road Medical Centre, Newfoundpool, argues for the e-cig.
He said: "Leicester's Stop smoking service has contact with one fifth of smokers and about half of these are successful in quitting.
"That leaves nine out of ten smokers still smoking and new smokers continue to be added to that number.
"E-cigarettes have revolutionised nicotine replacement for many smokers.
"There are many stories of 40 a day smokers switching to an e cigarette and never returning to tobacco.
"I agree that anyone who is determined to quit should do so and to contact Stop is the best way of achieving success.
"For smokers who have no intention of quitting and those who say 'now is not the right time' an e-cigarette need be no different to changing brand.
"I think concern about e-cigarettes normalising smoking is unfounded.
"This has been researched in young people where it has been shown that use is only seen in those who have already taken up cigarette smoking.
"It is true that tobacco companies are developing e-cigarettes because they see it as an expanding market.
"They are responding to the idea put by one of my e-cig using patients - 'Cigarettes are so 20th century.'
"It is right that e-cigarette use is about harm reduction.
"While we cannot say they are completely safe, they are less harmful than tobacco.
"Recent research regarding e-cigarettes producing formaldehyde was flawed as it did not mirror normal use where the exposure is very small.
"My concern about applying the same restrictions to e-cigarettes as to tobacco is that it reduces the incentive to switch to a less harmful habit so I would welcome the use of e-cigarettes in public spaces until tobacco smoking has become a thing of the past."
The Leicester Mercury has joined forces with the Stop smoking service run by the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.
Together, we hope to persuade at least 300 smokers to stub out their cigarettes ahead of National No Smoking Day on Wednesday, March 11.
To join the campaign call the service on 0116 295 4141 or text 07717 420 560 and a Stop smoking advisor will call back.
People can also e mail Louise.ross@leicspart.nhs.uk.
The Leicester Mercury is also looking for people to share their quit stories and the stories of those supporting quitters.
To do this, or just to pledge support for the campaign e mail patients@leicestermercury.co.uk
