Calls to extend nicotine replacement therapy

The Irish Pharmacy Union has lobbied the Government to make nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) available to medical-card holders who want to quit smoking.

Citing a Hiqa report from earlier this year, IPU made a submission to Health Minister Simon Harris in which it said smoking prevalence is highest and successful quit attempts are lowest for smokers in the lowest socio-economic groups.

If it is implemented, the proposal would enable people who hold medical cards to access NRT without prescription under their existing General Medical Services (GMS) eligibility.