Materia Medica Malaysiana

New Phone Service To Help Smokers Quit

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- From Tuesday, smokers seeking help to quit can turn to a telephone-based advice programme that will coach them on a step-by step procedure with personal attention.
The National Poison Centre of Universiti Sains Malaysia started the novel programme for smokers in the country.
Called Quitline, the programme will be serviced by trained pharmacists of the centre five days a week from 10am to 4pm in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day that falls every May 31, said the centre in a statement, Monday.
Its director Professor Rahmat Awang said the programme would provide information to smokers who previously might not know where to seek help to kick their habit.
"Quitline will focus on advice and information dissemination. We hope to achieve some quitting rates from this manner rather than relying on medication alone," he said.
The number to call is 04-6572 924.