Viagra use in North Wales rises to £5m

If there were any doubts as to the increased use of Viagra, recent reports from North Wales laid those to rest. It is estimated that the use of Viagra has resulted in the NHS spending more than 5 million Euros in the last 5 years.  This amount was paid out by the various local health boards found in the region.

The results of the estimates have resulted in strong opposition calls from the public and the politicians. According to this group, Viagra pills should not be included on the NHS.

Their argument is based on the view that many of the users who buy Viagra pills do it for recreational purposes rather than medical reasons.

For instance, Assembly member Darren Millar whilst airing his opinion claims that the money being spent by the NHS “….is a lot of cash to be spending and we know there is demand from people wanting to use Viagra and other drugs like it for recreational purposes”.

The increase in the use of Viagra is reported to record a more than 40% increase in consumption over the last 5 years, a statistic that drew grave concerns from politicians in the assembly.

Speaking on the trend, Darren Miller who represents Clwyd, went on to add  “We need to have confidence that the 44% increase in prescriptions being issued is due to patients accessing the drug on the basis that they have a medical condition rather than for recreational reasons.

It’s crucial that limited NHS resources are spent properly and that cash being spent on drugs such as Viagra is not preventing other medicines and treatments for conditions such as cancer being made available to patients.”

Eleanor Burnham, another assembly member argued otherwise pointing out the fact that most of the people who suffer from erectile dysfunction so as a result of contributory diseases. Erectile dysfunction is therefore a medical condition which clearly calls for the support from the NHS.

“If the drug is not available on the NHS are we saying only those who can afford it can have happy, healthy sexual relationships?” She questioned.

Since its release the use of Viagra pills as a recreational drug has grown in frequency. Much of this is based on the public belief that the use of Viagra will result in an increase in male sexual stamina as well as an enhancement of the feelings experienced during sex. None of these views are true.

Regardless of the decision reached by politicians in the region, it seems almost certain that stiffer laws of policing will be introduced to prevent the speculated misuse of Viagra pills and prescription.

Amongst the many claims against the inclusion of Viagra in the NHS program was one that suggests that it is often prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction caused by psychological factors, instead of physical ones. The use of Viagra carries little efficiency with the former.

However when presented with this view Dr John Tomlinson, Trustee of the Sexual Dysfunction Association, brushed it aside as carrying little worth explaining “These pills are not just handed out to just anyone, the process is strict.

Some doctors are too frightened to hand them out because the prescription boards will be on to them asking them to justify the spending.”

With a prescription, people are able to buy Viagra pills online.