Southend residents feel overlooked as Mounjaro weight-loss injections remain out of reach
National figures show around 3.4 million people could qualify for the drug, yet the NHS intends to treat only about 220,000 over the next three years.
Government ministers have announced a £3,000 bonus for GP surgeries that prescribe the medication.
In a typical practice serving 6,000 patients, fewer than 20 individuals would qualify for the drug in total, and funding in year one is expected to cover only a portion of that number.
The Liberal Democrats point to Southend as a stark example of the country’s health disparities, noting a 10.5-year life expectancy gap between the wealthiest and poorest areas for men.
Obesity remains a major factor in these inequalities, yet many residents cannot afford private healthcare or ongoing prescription costs, which can range from £160 to £310 each month.
