Responding to the publication by the London Assembly of the results an inquiry into weight management treatment, Sukhi Basra, Vice-Chair of the National Pharmacy Association said:
"We were pleased that the committee listened to evidence provided by the NPA and others and have called for more robust action to tackle a growing black market for illicit medication.
"High demand for weight loss medication, coupled with a very slow and cautious NHS roll out, has created the perfect storm for criminals who are running a growing black market selling counterfeit weight loss medication.
"To help speed up the roll out and reach more patients as well as potentially limit opportunities for illicit sales, the government should use the extensive experience of pharmacists to become part of the NHS roll out of weight management treatments.
"Community pharmacies can provide a patient with the care they need to achieve a sustainable weight loss, through wrap around support and careful lifestyle changes, where a patient is eligible for treatment.”
