A Fianna Fáil TD has called for weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic to be covered under the public health system, including the medical card and Drugs Payment Scheme.
In a statement this week, Roscommon-Galway TD Martin Daly, who is his party’s spokesperson on health and disability, said obesity drugs are “expensive and, for most people, need to be taken long-term.”
“Expanding access through our public health system, including through the medical card and the Drugs Payment Scheme, is essential,” he said.
He added: “We should view access to effective weight-loss medication not as a cost, but as an investment in people’s health.”
The TD argued that restricting access to those who can pay privately would “worsen health inequalities.”
“Unless we take a proactive and responsible approach, these medications will become the preserve of the wealthy,” Daly said.
“Others will be forced to turn to unsafe and unregulated sources.”
He said strict body mass index thresholds currently exclude many who could benefit from the treatments, warning that this could push patients towards beauty clinics or illegal alternatives.
“There is no guarantee of quality control or safety, proper assessment or medical supervision,” Daly said.
“I have witnessed unsafe and inappropriate prescribing of such drugs to young people who have poor body image.”
The Fianna Fáil TD also expressed concern about the growth of private clinics offering “doctor-led” injections outside hospitals or GP-led care, saying this highlighted the danger of a two-tier system.
“Those who can afford to pay are catered for while everyone else is left behind,” he said.
While calling for broader access, Daly stressed that the drugs were not a “silver bullet” and must only be prescribed with medical oversight.
“These are potent drugs with potentially serious side-effects that include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems and muscle loss,” he said.
“Patients must follow a comprehensive assessment, including psychological and lifestyle factors, and undergo regular monitoring,” he added.
“Let’s not forget the mental impact this could have on young people with eating disorders.”
According to the HSE, around 60% of adults in Ireland are overweight or obese, adding: “Ireland has one of the highest levels of obesity in Europe.”
Drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro cost hundreds of euro per month, with ongoing use required for results to be maintained.
According to the HSE, “socioeconomic” factors are among the main drivers of obesity, referring to “the wider drivers of obesity” as “genetics, environment and socioeconomic status.”