The National Health Service (NHS) is facing mounting criticism following a dramatic price hike for Mounjaro, a medication widely used for weight loss and diabetes management. The sudden increase has left many patients unable to afford the treatment, sparking concerns about widening health inequalities.
Why is Mounjaro so expensive?
Manufacturers attribute the price surge to global supply chain issues and increased demand, but critics argue the move puts profit before patients. The drug, which has shown remarkable effectiveness in clinical trials, was previously accessible to NHS patients at a subsidised rate.
Impact on patients
Diabetes patients and those using Mounjaro for weight management now face difficult choices:
- Rationing doses to make prescriptions last longer
- Seeking alternative, less effective treatments
- Abandoning treatment plans altogether
NHS response under scrutiny
Health officials have remained tight-lipped about possible solutions, merely stating they are "monitoring the situation closely". This has drawn ire from patient advocacy groups who demand immediate action to ensure continued access to vital medications.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between pharmaceutical companies and public health systems, with many calling for stricter price regulation on essential drugs.
