The Department of Health on Monday said it will dish out anti-smoking packs next month, as part of its annual quit smoking campaign.

It said smokers will be able to get a free one-week trial pack of nicotine patches from more than 200 community pharmacies.

The department said it has prepared 5,000 packs.

Dr Fung Ying, head of the department's tobacco and alcohol control office, said the campaign won't replace any existing smoking cessation or counselling services.

"There are statistics showing the success rate for every quit attempt without help is three percent, but with nicotine replacement therapy, it can be up to 20 percent. With counselling, it can be even higher," she said.

Fung added that one of the best ways to tackle smoking would be to raise tobacco tax.