Wales to roll out subsidy cards to help reduce cost of gluten-free food | Gluten-free

People with celiac disease and gluten intolerance in Wales will be suitable for a prepaid card designed to help the cost of special foods.

Wales government said on Friday, bank -style subsidies cards will be presented first in this autumn, Britain, he said. The scheme objectives are to access celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis to a wider gluten -free range in supermarkets and online instead of relying on prescriptions from a pharmacy.

In a statement, the Wales government will add money to cards every three months and the amount of each patient will change and regularly reviewed.

Galli Cabinet Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Miles said: “For people with celiac disease, it is not a lifestyle choice after a solid gluten -free diet. The scheme will contribute to the reduction of administrative burdens in GPS and pharmacies while promoting a more effective use of NHS resources.”

According to Celiac UK charity, there is celiac disease in the UK, one out of 100 people, but only 36% of Wales were diagnosed medically.

The disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by Gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye, which causes the body to attack on its own tissues and deteriorate in nutrients. Symptoms contain bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and ulcers. In serious cases, it can lead to osteoporosis, nerve problems, infertility and small intestinal cancer.

The only treatment for the chronic situation is a gluten -free diet that Celiac UK says it can add up to 35% to food bills.

The new card plan was tested by Hywel DDA University Health Board, which includes Carmarthenshire, Cerenigion and Pembrokeshire for five years.

The 54 -year -old Cherylee Barker from Narbeth in Pembrokeshire took part in the pilot and was given £ 42 to the cost of gluten -free foods every three months. “In 2007, celiac disease was diagnosed and I realized that the continuation of a rapidly -free diet would be costly with limited shopping options and shooting and kidnapping food options,” he said.

“I have the chance to participate in the pilot.

People who buy gluten -free food in Wales will have the option to continue with the old system, similar to those found in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.