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Injectable Vitamin B12

26 May 2021

Lead MP

Jane Hunt

Responding Minister

Nadine Dorries

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Word Count: 4599
Other Contributors: 0

At a Glance

Jane Hunt raised concerns about injectable vitamin b12 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The government should consider removing the prescription-only classification for injectable vitamin B12 so that those diagnosed can access it over-the-counter, reducing workload on GP services and financial burden on patients. The minister should also address inconsistencies in treatment provision and training for pharmacists to administer injections.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects hundreds of thousands of people in the UK, causing a wide range of symptoms and often leading to misdiagnosis. Patients struggle to receive correct treatment and face difficulties accessing injectable B12 from GPs due to bureaucratic hurdles and misinformation.

Government Response

Nadine Dorries
Government Response
It is a huge pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Dr Huq. I thank my hon. Friend for bringing forward the debate and raising many points that require detailed answers from officials. The Minister highlighted more women suffer from pernicious anaemia and vitamin B12 deficiency than men. She called on constituents to respond to the women's health strategy call for evidence, which is vital for gathering data and pushing for change in policy. On making B12 injections available over the counter, the MHRA is committed to doing so when it is safe, but current guidelines indicate that vitamin B12 injections meet prescription-only medicine requirements due to risks of misuse or abuse by patients. The Minister noted that while NICE guidance was published in July 2020 on pernicious anaemia diagnosis and management, its implementation needs evaluation. She urged my hon. Friend's constituent Tracey Witty to respond to the women's health strategy call for evidence and gather important feedback from affected individuals.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.