Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will ensure that the MOD Defence Medical Service updates its policy on Mefloquine-damaged veterans to (a) acknowledge the recent confirmation by NHS England that Mefloquine neurotoxicity (i) exists and (ii) requires clinical management, (b) accept that misdiagnosis of Mefloquine-damaged veterans as having PTSD can lead to the prescribing of inappropriate psychiatric medication (A) leading to serious worsening of their condition and (B) impeding the search for effective treatment of brain damage caused by Mefloquine, and (c) develop a communications strategy, in conjunction with other relevant MOD bodies and the NHS, to make veterans and GPs aware that veterans presenting with suicidal ideation should routinely be checked for exposure to Mefloquine during their past service in the armed forces. [17691]
[Due for Answer on 15 July]
ANSWER
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Veterans and People (Calvin Bailey): I refer the hon. member to the answer provided by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in January this year. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-12/104605
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and DHSC recognise that mefloquine is associated with neurological and psychiatric adverse effects. Defence Medical Command (DMedC) support an approach to healthcare in which treatment is directed towards the patient’s clinical diagnosis and presenting symptoms and managed in accordance with current evidence-based clinical practice and relevant national guidance. DMedC is not aware of evidence or national guidance that recommends withholding otherwise appropriate treatments where clinically indicated, solely on the basis of previous mefloquine exposure.
The MOD will continue to review emerging evidence, including systematic reviews, regulatory advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MRHA) and recommendations from expert bodies concerned with malaria prevention.
As outlined in the response by the former Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, NHS England is considering adding screening for prior mefloquine use and any associated adverse events to initial Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE assessments.