GlaxoSmithKline is putting its best foot forward in completing its social responsibility. The steps will also enable the company promote Zyban, its anti-smoking drug. Glaxo is aiding companies cultivate a non-smoking environment as part of its policy, along with providing teams to help in the transition.
Some of the corporate, which have negotiated for this 'no-smoking' environment, are Housing Development Finance Corporation, the Godrej group, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Siemens, Tata Power and The Associated Cement Companies.The Company is providing for on-line registration for Indian corporate interested in promoting no-smoking culture among its employees. In a step-by-step process, Glaxo is charting out a detailed programme for the employees. The team comprises a doctor and a counsellor. It also includes free education programmes and counselling sessions and Zyban at discounted prices.
Glaxo has also been conducting smoking cessation camps all over Mumbai. Glaxo has also set up a helpline in order to quit smoking. Glaxo had targeted 50,000 patients for its first year with Zyban. It has already crossed the target of 10,000 patients. It had also sponsored the academic grant for the global initiative for obstructive lung disease in order to promote educating the public for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the National Conference on pulmonary diseases.
Currently, the drug is priced at Rs. 40 for a 150-mg tablet. The dosage is once a day for the first three days and from the fourth day, two tablets for seven weeks.
