This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New NHS drug helps smokers kick the habit
28/06/2000
Scottish Health Minister Susan Deacon announced today that Zyban, a non-nicotine smoking cessation drug, is to be available on NHS prescription.
Susan Deacon said:
"This is further good news for the 70% of smokers in Scotland who say they want to give up the habit. We are already supporting these smokers, particularly those on low incomes through free nicotine patches and better counselling. Making Zyban available on NHS prescription ensures that smokers have access to this important new treatment via their GP.
"We are already investing £1m a year over three years in setting up local smoking cessation services in the NHS. This announcement is another step towards ensuring that our health service plays its part in helping more Scots smokers to quit."
BACKGROUND
1. Zyban is the trade name of bupropion hydrochloride. It is marketed by GlaxoWellcome.
2. The most comprehensive ever tobacco control strategy was introduced by the Government in its Smoking Kills White Paper, published in December 1998.
3. From 1 June the NHS Smoking Helpline has been available on 0800 169 0 169. Operated by Network Scotland smokers can receive instant advice and counselling on how to give up smoking.
4. Smoking accounts for more than 13,000 deaths in Scotland each year and more than 33,500 hospital admissions. The NHS in Scotland spends around £140m treating smoking-related diseases.
5. The latest indications are that seven out of 10 smokers would like to give up and the health benefits for those who do, irrespective of age, are immediate.
6. New targets to reduce adult smokers in Scotland are from 35% to 33% by 2005, and to an average of 31% by 2010. It is aimed to reduce smoking among young people from 14% to 12% by 2005 and to 11% by 2010.
News Release: SE1893/2000
28 Jun 2000