UK Medicines undervalued, not overpriced, says ABPI
Medicine prices in the United Kingdom compare favourably
to those in other developed countries, the Association of the British
Pharmaceutical Industry believes. However, the ABPI also says that such
comparisons are difficult to make because of differing pricing structures
between countries.
Speaking at a press conference in London on 11 October,
Professor Trevor Jones, director general, ABPI, said that the price of
pharmaceuticals is often in the news, with recent developments concerning
generics, hospital discount levels and cost-effectiveness comparisons.
Bill Fullagar, president, ABPI, noted that only
16 per cent of the money spent by the National Health Service goes on
new medicines (those launched within the past five years) and that the
UK has the highest rate of generic prescribing in Europe.
“Why does Britain pride itself on using medicines
that (by definition) are at least 20 years old, rather than enjoying the
benefit of major advances in medical science,” he asked. In other fields,
such as computing, people always want the latest technology.
Mr Fullagar said that more than half of all prescribed
medicines cost the Government less than the current prescription charge
of £6.10. However, he would not be drawn on whether he wants to see the
Government spend more on medicines or whether patients should pay a greater
share of the cost of the medicines they receive.
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