Lariam: Inquiry to be held into MoD's use of anti-malaria drug on British soldiers amid health concerns

The Independent revealed earlier this year that almost a thousand service personnel have required psychiatric treatment since 2008 after taking Lariam

British troops in Afghanistan. File photo (Getty Images)

Concerns over the health of British soldiers given an anti-malarial drug which can induce psychotic behaviour and other psychiatric side-effects have prompted the Commons Defence Select Committee to hold an inquiry into the Ministry of Defence’s use of Lariam.

In a statement, the committee said: “The Committee believes that this is a matter which merits further scrutiny. Therefore, it intends to take oral evidence on the use of Lariam by the armed forces. Details of witnesses and terms of reference will be announced in due course.”

The committee also published the MoD’s response to questions it had raised earlier this year over the dangers of the drug.

In a letter to Dr Julian Lewis, chair of the committee, defence secretary Michael Fallon claimed the use of the drug “is under continual review” and “the health and wellbeing of our people is paramount, in this and all matters.

The MoD response admits that a recent review of records revealed that among those prescribed the anti-malarial there was “a rate of 6% who presented for mental healthcare, compared to 3% amongst the general military population.”

And The Independent revealed earlier this year that almost a thousand service personnel have required psychiatric treatment since 2008 after taking Lariam, also known as mefloquine.