Smokers are more susceptible to serious COVID-19 related conditions compared to non-smokers; the effects of smoking on the respiratory system make it more likely that smokers contract respiratory diseases.
The WHO and the US FDA recommends Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to individuals for smoking cessation effectively. In order to minimize the dependence on tobacco and tobacco-based products, the brand has collaborated with the State Governments of Karnataka and Goa and taken progressive steps to provide NRT to frontline workers; sensitise and provide counselling support to general population about the life saving therapy.
In light of this, Nicotex, A leading brand in the smoking cessation by Cipla Health Ltd., embodies the need for robust pulmonary health during the COVID–19 pandemic and at the earliest suggests to eliminate risks related to Coronavirus. The global research institutions WHO & USFDA recommends NRT as first line therapy and WHO has added NRT to its Model List of Essential Medicines. “Especially during the COVID – 19 pandemic, smokers are at a greater risk. Our collaborations with the Health Ministry of various states are helping us to execute these operations at a much larger scale and to reach out to the masses to help them quit smoking. ” said CEO, Cipla Health Ltd. Mr. Shivam Puri.
It has been noticed that within 20 minutes of quitting smoking, the elevated heart rate and blood pressure drops, after 12 hours the carbon monoxide levels in the bloodstream drops to normal, within 2-12 weeks circulation improves and lung function increases. And thereafter between 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decreases, thus leading to advanced individual health.
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With this observation, Nicotex, which works on the certified formula of Nicotine Replacement Therapy; raised a new call of solidarity for India during COVID 19 -Tobacco Distancing along with Social Distancing. To promote safe behaviour, Nicotex has collaborated with the dynamic efforts of Karnataka to protect the frontline workers, who are presently engaged in field work, under high vulnerability, amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
Nicotex distributed 40,000 packs to over 10,000 healthcare workers as the therapy (NRT). According to the WHO it would benefit smokers and other smokeless tobacco users in helping to quit smoking; by reducing cravings, anxiety, irritability and other withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. This would be a part of the joint endeavour to protect our healthcare champions working in close interface with infected patients.
Commenting on the efforts, Shri A R Nanda, former Union Health Secretary, Government of India said, “I understand that Nicotex has partnered with various states and is working on mission mode to make the country, specifically the youth, free from the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use in any form. Tobacco cessation programs need to be widely adopted by the states and NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) followed as per the government of India guidelines.”
In Goa, the collaborative efforts of the state and Cipla Health have enabled various grassroot-levels, health seeking measures dissuading the consumption of tobacco among its citizens. With The launch of ‘Mission Tobacco Free Goa’, the state has been working towards making two talukas tobacco-free zones whilst simultaneously working on having the same effect across the state.The common goal is to bring down tobacco related morbidities by about one-third. Some of the Mission’s community initiatives involve training health workers, health educators, anganwadi workers, government officials as well as school teachers, and rigorous outreach programs through mobile van outreach.
Source: ET HealthWorld
