IN WESTERN Australia, Michael's Chemist Group has started stocking therapeutic Nicotine Vaping Products (NVPs), pursuant to the Federal Government's new vaping laws (PD 25 Mar).
With these products now stocked across the Group's locations in Wembley, Claremont, and North Perth, Michael's stated it is well placed to help people quit smoking, if they have obtained a script from a medical professional.
When asked about the Group's decision to begin stocking NVPs, owner Michael Spartalis said the business takes its role as trusted health professionals seriously.
"It's not just a business decision - we see NVPs as a genuine way to help people quit smoking and reduce smoking rates within our community," Spartalis told PD.
"The ranging of NVPs in our stores means we are able to offer another option for smokers who have tried to quit using other products on the market but have not been successful," he added.
Michael's Chemist Group is carrying the Wild by Instinct range of NVPs, one of just seven brands included in the TGA's new online Vaping Hub.
The TGA portal includes a list of products that are in compliance with applicable standards for supply in Australia.
"We chose the Wild by Instinct NVP range primarily because we were looking for Australian-made, TGO110 standard products, along with exceptional customer service and support, and it ticked all the boxes," he explained.
Although NVP prescriptions are unchartered territory for some pharmacists, Spartalis said navigating the new prescription process was surprisingly simple.
"The process is now easier because we're able to hold stock instore, unlike medical cannabis, and so, meet the needs of our customers immediately," he said.
Spartalis said it's important that more pharmacies begin to stock NVPs for the Government's prescription model to be effective.
He expects demand to increase as vapers and those wishing to quit smoking move to the prescription model, away from purchasing black market vapes.
"Put simply, we need more nurses and GPs prescribing, and more pharmacies offering these products to ensure we can get people away from harmful tobacco smoking, and have a positive impact on the health of our community," concluded Spartalis. JG
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