I raised the case of a constituent who can't get an NHS prescription for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management — despite it being approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium two years ago. I'm pleased the First Minister has agreed to investigate why NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is still yet to make it available.

Bob Doris (Glasgow Kelvin and Maryhill) (SNP)
One of my constituents is unable to secure a national health service prescription for tirzepatide, which is better known as Mounjaro, for weight management, despite criteria approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium in June 2024 indicating approval for restricted use, including in the circumstances that impact my constituent. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde does not yet include the treatment in its formulary for weight-management prescriptions and says that that work is ongoing. Does the First Minister agree that two years after SMC approval is simply too long to wait for health boards to add Mounjaro to their formularies so that prescribing it can be considered? What action can the Scottish Government take to tackle that delay by health boards?

The First Minister (John Swinney)
Individual health boards must respond to judgments made by the Scottish Medicines Consortium. We want that to be undertaken on a timely basis to ensure that individuals can have access to treatments and that they can be deployed. I will ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care to explore the steps being taken by Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board, to ensure that the necessary urgency is being applied in that respect.