NHS England CCG guidance on routine prescribing

Warwick Smith, Director General of the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), said: “It is at the heart of the generic medicines industry mission  to provide value to the NHS ensuring more patients can be treated for less money therefore making the best use of finite resources. Competition from the generic medicines industry already saves the NHS £13bn per year. 

“So we understand that, in order to meet growing demand, it is right and necessary for the NHS to promote treatments which are effective, increase access and provide thatvalue for money. We are aware, however, that NHS England’s consultation caused concern amongst some patients that they would no longer be able to receive the medicines they truly needed. That was never the intention, and we welcome the fact that NHS England has clearly listened to concerns expressed and has clarified its proposals as a result. 

“It is important now that NHS England’s decisions and policies are properly understood and implemented on the ground so that patients get the cost effective medicine they need. We will continue to work with the NHS and the Department of Health in pursuit of these objectives.”