Overview

• Only 18 of England’s 42 integrated care boards have started GP prescribing since the national rollout began on 23 June.
• Just nine boards say they have funds to treat 70% of eligible patients, while four report capacity for 25% or fewer.
• Coventry and Warwickshire identified 1,795 eligible patients but received funding for 376, underscoring wide local shortfalls.
• NHS England cites a phased plan over up to 12 years with 220,000 people expected to be treated in the first three years, yet at least five boards are considering tighter local rationing.
• Private access dominates usage and Eli Lilly’s list-price rise of up to 170% from 1 September has intensified affordability concerns, prompting a pledge from Health Secretary Wes Streeting to prevent patients being priced out.