du seeks to promote better living with Health Text service beginning with 'QuitSmoke'

Addressing some of the most common but chronic health issues prevalent in the UAE, du today announced the launch of Health Text service, a bouquet of SMS text based service that will provide tips, suggestions, factoids and advice for leading a better and healthy lifestyle. The very first initiative is QuitSmoke - for customers to get text messages and tips that motivate and prompt them to perform day to day actions that will help them quit smoking. This service is being provided in association with PurpleTeal, Inc., a US based health services provider. 

The service is available in both English and Arabic language. du mobile customers can subscribe to QuitSmoke service by simply texting “QS” (“QSA” for Arabic) to 5544, once subscribed customers  start receiving three QuiteSmoke tips per day. For a small fraction of the cost of a pack of cigarettes, ( only AED1 per day), subscribers can get assistance to help them stop smoking and develop long term smoking avoidance habits. QuitSmoke is eight week programme and can be renewed in additional eight-week periods. 

“People in general are becoming increasingly conscious of health and wellness, and as a telecom service provider we can leverage our network - the fastest network in the region, and our growing customer base of over 4 million, to act as an interface between those who have health-related needs and health care providers – in order to promote healthy living. We have plans to further enlarge the scope of such health initiatives, which we will announce in due course,”said Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du. 

This service and its contents are approved by the Ministry of Health, UAE and they are happy with the scientific content of these messages and believe that it will help people to live a healthier life. 

“PurpleTeal is delighted to go live with this groundbreaking service for du customers.” added Narayanan Ram, CEO of PurpleTeal. “du has taken the lead in bringing this novel service to its customers. We look forward to helping their customers quit smoking.” 

du is working on introducing a set of healthy living service offerings under Health Text to the market that will be using the latest technology and ensure its alignment with critical national health priorities and emerging customer needs. du is working closely with the Ministry of Health and other health departments and will continue to provide services and solutions that help in the overall improvement of health and wellness in the UAE. 

The unique QuitSmoke service embeds the principles of awareness, preparation, action and repetition in order to delink smoking from triggering events. The service sends daily SMS messages with hints, tips, information and alerts to help smokers stay focused on quitting, and on dealing with cravings, urges and withdrawal symptoms, as well as tips and hints to avoid triggers and remain smoke-free.