In a bid to support tobacco users in their journey to quit smoking, the Ministry of Health is set to introduce nicotine lozenges as part of the Nicotine Replacement Therapy treatment programme.
The nicotine lozenge, a medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, has been shown to help tobacco users quit smoking by reducing cravings for nicotine, the addictive substance found in tobacco products.
Dr. Sheliza Gopie, Technical Officer at the Ministry of Health’s Chronic Disease Unit, Tobacco Control, emphasized that the medication will be made available at tobacco cessation clinics across the country.
The first batch of lozenges has already been distributed to the Eccles Health Centre on the East Bank of Demerara.
Dr. Gopie highlighted the importance of strict supervision in administering the drug, noting that it will be managed by physicians with specific dosages and time periods for usage.
In addition to the nicotine lozenges, Dr. Gopie revealed that nicotine patches and gum will also be introduced to provide further support for individuals seeking to quit smoking.
By Tracy Romalho, Reporting for NCN News