People with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance in Wales will be eligible for a prepaid debit-style card to help towards the cost of specialised foods, the Welsh government has announced. The scheme, a UK first, will roll out this autumn and aims to provide access to a wider range of gluten-free products at supermarkets and online, rather than relying on pharmacy prescriptions.
Money will be added to the cards every three months, with the amount varying per patient and regularly reviewed. The Welsh government said the system is expected to be cost-neutral, reducing administrative burdens on GPs and pharmacies while promoting more effective use of NHS resources. Jeremy Miles, cabinet secretary for health and social care, stated that a strict gluten-free diet is a medical necessity for those with coeliac disease.
Around one in 100 people in the UK have coeliac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten that can cause symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. However, only 36% of those in Wales are diagnosed, according to Coeliac UK. The condition requires a lifelong gluten-free diet, which the charity says can increase food bills by up to 35%.
The card scheme was piloted for five years by the Hywel Dda University Health Board covering Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire. Cherylee Barker, 54, from Narbeth, who took part in the pilot and received £42 every three months, said the card allowed her to try new products without financial strain and gave her control over her diet. Patients currently receiving gluten-free food on prescription may continue using the old system if they prefer.
