NICHS is disappointed that the Executive has failed to enable patients to gain access to life changing new medicines
Neil Johnston, Public Affairs and Policy Manager, says; “Exactly a year ago, the Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, announced that Northern Ireland would establish a Regional Obesity Management Service. This was widely reported, including by the BBC, with clear expectations that patients here would soon be offered weight-loss medications, bringing Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK.”
“However, we now find that patients in Northern Ireland will have to wait even longer for treatments that are already routinely available elsewhere in Great Britain.”
Neil said the service was first announced on 21 May 2025, with a commitment that it would launch in ‘early 2026’. “Last week, without any fanfare, it emerged in a Written Answer to SDLP MLA Colin McGrath that the service will instead be ‘operational later in 2026’.
“Yet again, Northern Ireland patients are being let down.”
“These medications provide widespread health benefits by regulating blood sugar, reducing appetite, and dampening systemic inflammation throughout the body. While widely famous for weight loss, these drugs- such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)- offer crucial medical advantages that protect the heart, kidneys, liver, and brain, often independently of how much weight a person loses.”
“Wegovy has been available on the NHS in England since September 2023, and the rollout of Mounjaro began in mid-2025 for priority patient groups. Yet neither will be available here until later in 2026.”
“Apparently the reasons for the delay include funding and workforce issues. However, we first consulted in 2023 about such a service. Are we really to believe that with such a long lead in time we are unable to organise our budgets and workforce to deliver this vital service?”
“What makes this even more concerning is the growing inequality in accessing these medications, with the ‘well off’ accessing them privately, while others are left waiting.”
NICHS supports the use of these innovative new medicines but believes that prescribing must be accompanied by ‘wraparound’ services, including behavioural support, dietary guidance, and physical activity programs.
Neil continues; “National clinical guidelines say that these medications should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.”
“Treatment should include ongoing monitoring to prevent weight regain upon discontinuation, as medication alone is rarely a permanent solution.”
“We understand the significant financial pressures facing Northern Ireland and the difficult decisions the Executive must make. However, obesity remains one of the most pressing public health challenges we face, and delaying access to effective treatment will only increase long-term health and economic costs.”
