Wes Streeting (Labour) has pledged to take stronger action to prevent people being "priced out" of weight-loss medications. The Health Secretary expressed determination to expand NHS access following price increases by pharmaceutical companies in the private sector.
The Government's 10-year NHS plan commits to dramatically expanding weight-loss services and bringing them closer to communities. This expansion could include making injections available "on the high street, or at any out-of-town shopping centre" alongside digital service options.
Treatment impact praised
Streeting told BBC Breakfast on Wednesday that the medications "have been hugely impactful, and the evidence is really encouraging about the impact on obesity and loads of other health conditions that are linked to obesity". He emphasised that patients "do need to still make changes in terms of their nutrition" and remain "fit and active".
The Health Secretary expressed serious concern about rising costs, stating he was "really concerned" about people who "might benefit but can't afford them are being left out". He argued this contradicts fundamental NHS principles established in 1948.
NHS founding principles at stake
Streeting said: "That goes against my principles, the Labour Government's principles and the principles of the NHS, because we decided back in 1948 in the aftermath of the Second World War that healthcare should be based on need and not the ability to pay." He described the current situation where "some people who can afford them privately getting it, and others who can't being left behind" as fundamentally wrong.
The Health Secretary acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting concerns about positive body image and eating disorders. He stressed: "So this is a nuanced debate, but I am concerned about people being priced out, I am concerned about access."
NHS pricing remains protected
Streeting reassured that NHS pricing remains unaffected by private sector increases. He explained: "It's the private price that's going up, but I know I've got more work to do to make sure that people who need and would benefit from these jabs can access them via the NHS, because that is the right thing to do."
Eli Lilly, manufacturer of Mounjaro - dubbed the "King Kong of weight-loss jabs" - initially announced price increases of up to 170 per cent in August. The highest dose was set to rise from £122 to £330 per month before the company offered suppliers a discounted rate of £247.50.
Private market dominance continues
The pharmaceutical company justified the original price increase by citing alignment with higher European and US prices. Current estimates suggest approximately 90 per cent of people using weight-loss injections pay privately through online services and high street pharmacies.
The company has since offered a discounted deal to UK suppliers which is expected to limit the price increase to consumers from this month. This represents a significant reduction from the initially proposed pricing structure.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
