Key Summary
- The programme has been designed to look at how obese patients can access weight management care more easily
- The Government will contribute up to £50 million and Eli Lilly the remaining £35 million
- NHS organisations will be eligible to apply for a share of the funding
- Successful applicants can then use the cash to run and assess a pilot to build evidence for efficient obesity care
Pharma giant Eli Lilly and Company and the UK Government have announced a joint programme to fight obesity, a major public health challenge for the UK, backed by up to £85 million in funding.
The programme has been designed to look at how obese patients can access weight management care more easily.
This includes through community services, pharmacies, and online.
Under the agreement, the Government will contribute up to £50 million and Eli Lilly the remaining £35 million.
NHS organisations will be eligible to apply for a share of the funding, and successful applicants can then use the cash to run and assess a pilot to build evidence for efficient obesity care in the UK.
Numark chairman Harry McQuillan welcomed the proposal as it could see patients accessing obesity care at pharmacies.
"We welcome today’s announcement of the launch of the new obesity management service which is ideally suited for community pharmacy involvement, an important step in expanding access to weight management support across our communities," he said.
He pointed out that pharmacists and their teams are uniquely placed to deliver this service.
"As highly accessible healthcare professionals, they already provide trusted advice, regular health interventions, and continuity of care to millions of people every year. This service recognises their critical role in supporting healthier lifestyles and tackling one of the most pressing public health issues we face," he added.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has also hailed the pilot to deliver NHS weight loss treatments.
NPA chief executive Henry Gregg said, "It's good news that the government wants to expand NHS weight loss services into community pharmacies. This is something we have long called for."
He pointed out that obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges faced by the country.
"It's important that any funding made available is sufficient to cover the costs involved for pharmacies to provide wrap around care and support," he said.
