Laura Sharman 29 October 2021

E-cigarettes could be prescribed on the NHS

E-cigarettes could be prescribed on the NHS image

England could become the first country in the world to prescribe e-cigarettes in a bid to reduce smoking rates.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has set out how it will work with manufacturers to assess the safety and effectiveness of products.

If approved, clinicians will decide on a case-by-case basis if an e-cigarette should be prescribed to NHS patients.

The move is part of the Government’s ambition for England to be smoke-free by 2030.

Health and social care secretary, Sajid Javid, said: ‘This country continues to be a global leader on healthcare, whether it’s our COVID-19 vaccine rollout saving lives or our innovative public health measures reducing people’s risk of serious illness.

’Opening the door to a licensed e-cigarette prescribed on the NHS has the potential to tackle the stark disparities in smoking rates across the country, helping people stop smoking wherever they live and whatever their background.’

Figures show there still are around 6.1 million smokers in England, with stark health disparities in smoking rates across the country.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner