Ireland's health service weighs public funding for costly weight-loss drug Mounjaro

The Health Service Executive is set to consider public financing for the weight-loss medication Mounjaro, a decision that could reshape obesity treatment in Ireland. Led by Prof Donal O’Shea, the clinical lead of the HSE’s National Obesity Programme, the expert group will evaluate whether the drug should be provided at no charge or at a subsidised rate to eligible patients. Currently, Mounjaro is prescribed but excluded from the Medical Card, GMS scheme and Drugs Payment Scheme.

O’Shea highlighted potential health benefits, including better blood-pressure control and reduced incidence of diabetes, cancer and dementia, especially among individuals with Down syndrome. He projected that up to one million people could qualify, with a fiscal impact of more than €3 billion, yet called the expense "massively well spent" because it would prevent costly future treatments. Eli Lilly has signalled a significant price reduction, and the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics deemed the drug cost-effective. The final verdict will be made by HSE management after reviewing the expert evidence.