Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is offering pharmacists a $10 consultation fee for providing counselling, support and advice to customers on the new Nicorette Active Stop support program.
Glenn Cochran, J&J Pacific's marketing manager, said the program not only recognises the unique and valuable role pharmacists play in the "quitting journey", but also rewards them for the time invested in the counselling process.
"What we're aiming to do with the consultation fee is leverage the skills of pharmacists by asking them to identify and consult with customers who are appropriate for the Active Stop support program -- that is, customers who are serious about quitting smoking now -- as they will benefit most from the program.
"And as health care professionals, they obviously have the skill set to be able to do this," Mr Cochran said.
The program, launched earlier this month, was developed to address the challenges smokers face in the days and weeks after giving up smoking and provides practical tools to help quitters remain smoke-free.
It includes preparation and follow-up phases, is tailored to the individual's needs and provides support via SMS, email, web and interactive voice response messages.
According to J&J, smokers are up to four times more likely to quit (compared to willpower alone) when using Nicorette products and the Active Stop support program.
The consultation fees are available from January to March. To participate, pharmacies must enter into a Pharmacy Purchase Contract with J&J. For more information on getting involved, pharmacists can contact their J&J representative.