Commenting on the reports of pharmacies delivering weight loss injections via the NHS, Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association said:
"Access to medicines that could cut damaging levels of obesity shouldn’t be restricted to those who can pay or disadvantage deprived communities.
“We’re yet to see the detail but this announcement has the potential to make sure that people who need these treatments the most could access them for free.
"Pharmacies are the most accessible part of the NHS, and there are many pharmacies in deprived areas despite recent challenges.
"Pharmacists are experts in medication and many have extensive experience delivering weight loss injections as part of a package of care including lifestyle advice. They are best placed to help roll this treatment out on the NHS, with the right funding support."
Notes to editors
The NPA represents over 6000 independent community pharmacies in the UK.
