NHS England, ABPI, DHSC begin negotiation for new medicine pricing scheme

Date:

Share post:

The government, NHS England and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has begun the negotiations for a new voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing on Thursday (4 May).

A new voluntary scheme is expected to take effect from 1 January 2024, replacing the current scheme which came into force in 2019 and ends on 31 December 2023

In their first meeting, the government, NHS England and industry – represented by the ABPI –expected to agree to a shared negotiation aim of working toward a mutually beneficial agreement that supports better patient outcomes and a healthier population, a financially sustainable NHS, and UK economic growth.

Health Minister, Will Quince, said: “These negotiations will ensure a new scheme continues to deliver value for money by providing significant savings for our health services, securing access to innovative lifesaving drugs for NHS patients, and helping to reduce waiting times – one of the Prime Minister’s 5 priorities.

The current voluntary scheme supports investment in NHS services and saves billions of pounds for the NHS, while also promoting innovations and a successful life sciences sector.

It’s vitally important that the successor to the current scheme delivers for the taxpayer, patients, the NHS, and life sciences.

Richard Torbett, Chief Executive at the ABPI, said: “These negotiations provide an opportunity to secure the UK’s place as a global leader in life science research and medical innovation while also ensuring the best outcomes for UK patients and a thriving economy.

Working together, we can boost UK science and create the conditions for innovative medicines to deliver their true value as an investment in the nation’s health, wealth, and productivity.

Sir Hugh Taylor, who chaired the Accelerated Access Review in 2014 to bring innovative technologies to the NHS, was appointed last month as Chief Negotiations Advisor for the VPAS scheme.

Sir Hugh Taylor, said: “The future voluntary scheme must continue to benefit the NHS and give its patients access to the best medicines, while supporting our life sciences sector.

I’m looking forward to reaching an agreement which not only benefits the NHS but will also encourage the pharmaceutical sector to continue investing in the UK.”

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Current Issue June 2023

Related articles

Pharmacy bodies decry ‘unjust’ exclusion of pharmacy students from learning support

Three pharmacy bodies have called on the government to allow pharmacy students access to the NHS learning support...

FIP policy statement emphasises pharmacy’s vital role in life-course vaccination

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has issued a new policy statement which encourages a “life-course” approach to vaccination...

Shadow Health Minister Preet Kaur Gill visits pharmacy in Staffordshire

Preet Kaur Gill, Shadow Minister for Primary Care and Public Health, has paid a recent visit to a...

Superdrug to halt single-use vape sales in UK, Ireland due to environmental concerns

British pharmacy chain Superdrug has announced plans to cease the sale of disposable vapes in all its UK...