Report shows stop smoking aids are being prescribed less

Health charities are worried a sharp decline in stop smoking aids prescribed by doctors will be counterproductive to creating the Scottish Government’s “smoke free” generation.

A report published today (16 July) by the British Lung Foundation (BHF) highlights the lack of clear data for prescription of these treatments in the last two years, despite Scottish Government promises that statistical information on stop smoking services should be “fit for purpose”.

The report’s findings reveal a 40% drop in stop smoking aids prescribed between 2012-2013 and 2014-15 across Scotland and that over the same period while the number of current smokers in Scotland reduced by 4% - well below the decrease in prescription of stop smoking aids.

BHF is now calling on the Scottish Government to ensure that stop smoking budgets are protected in real terms over the next five years, to prevent more people from developing long term lung conditions.

Joseph Carter, head of BHF Scotland, said: “Our research shows that the Scottish Government’s proposals to curb tobacco use do not reflect the reality of the options on offer for smokers who want to kick the habit.

“If Scotland is to stub out smoking in a generation, then high quality, clinically effective smoking cessation services must be accessible across all health boards. The new cabinet secretary must make a firm commitment to protect stop smoking budgets from cuts over 5 years and we encourage her to make that commitment today."