Migraine Care: 10-year Health Plan

Lord Kamall Excerpts

Monday 23rd March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

As I know my noble friend is well aware, the eligibility criteria are set independently by NICE. They are based on clinical evidence and cost-effectiveness, rather than being set by Ministers. However, it is worth saying that the introduction of oral CGRPs, which do not require specialist initiation, will significantly widen access through primary care and reduce the bottlenecks in the system. We are very keen that people can access effective drugs, and I take on board the point my noble friend made.

[Lord Kamall (Con)]

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for the Question, because although many people think that migraines are just bad headaches, they are in fact a distinct, complex neurological condition. They are responsible for 43 million lost working days each year and are estimated to cost the UK economy up to £4.4 billion. The Minister rightly talked about calcitonin gene-related peptide therapies, but apparently only about 29% of trusts allow access to CGRPs. I welcome what the Minister said about increased access via primary care, but I note that these drugs prevent migraines by targeting a molecule involved in pain transmission. What specific steps is the Minister’s department taking to increase access to these treatments in addition to the primary care initiatives?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

We very much recognise the concerns that people may face unnecessary hurdles when trying to access CGRP treatments. NHS England is working with integrated care boards to ensure that the pathways being followed are consistent and timely. It would perhaps be helpful for me to mention some of the national tools, such as NHS RightCare’s headache and migraine toolkit and the Getting It Right First Time recommendations; they also speak to the clearer referral rates that the noble Lord called for and reduce variation. We want people to receive appropriate treatments; we do not want them to be delayed.