Supermarket chain Asda is to sell asthma inhalers to customers over the age of 16 without the need for a prescription, it has been announced today.
The first retailer to have started this initiative, Asda believes there is a strong demand for the treatment as there are currently 5.2 million asthma sufferers in the UK.
All Asda Pharmacy branches will offer the inhaler as well as an assessment from a qualified pharmacist in store who will advise on symptoms of the condition.
At a cost of £7 for two, the initiative aims to provide a cheaper and more convenient option for sufferers than visiting the doctor.
Online doctor service DrThom fully supports this introduction and Medical Director Dr Tom Brett said: “This is another positive step in the process of making it as easy as possible for patients to look after their own health.”
Launching the scheme ahead of the Olympic Games later this week, it is hoped that improving availability of such medicine will help to publicise the plight of asthmatics, as charity Asthma UK reported that 25 per cent of the Athletics team GB suffer from the illness..
A host of incentives are already available by the grocer to help improve customer‘s wellbeing including free medicine check up, stop smoking advice, free diabetes testing and anti cancer drugs.
Faisal Tuddy, Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist at Asda said: “Asthma is a condition that affects millions of UK residents and it can often prove to be stressful trying to book a GP appointment when your inhaler is running low.
“We have listened to our customers and it was clear that easier access to asthma relief is the most desirable service we could provide, ensuring sufferers receive the very best advice at the lowest cost.
“Customers simply need to visit an Asda Pharmacy, fill in a questionnaire with one of our registered pharmacists and they can receive the treatment within a matter of minutes.”
