The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 278 No 7436 p98
27 January 2007

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Free prescriptions in Wales may be unaffordable to NHS

The introduction of free NHS prescriptions in Wales in April, the regulations for which were approved by the Welsh Assembly Government this week, may lead to unaffordable increases in prescribing costs, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has warned.

WAG initiatives, such as the adoption of national service frameworks and the new general medical services contract, are increasing prescribing costs, Richard Greville, director of the ABPI in Wales, said. “It is not clear whether the potential increased demand from patients in Wales [if NHS prescriptions were free] can be afforded within the currently allocated prescribing budget,” he warned.

“A further squeeze on the medicines budget may reduce access to the range of treatments, especially innovative medicines, available to patients in Wales, or reduce prescribing which clinicians believe is appropriate and cost effective,” he argued. “It is essential that when monitoring prescribing spends, the benefit and value of medicines in improved health outcomes are recognised, and that an appropriate prescribing budget is allocated.”