Health Service Medical Supplies (Costs) Bill (First sitting)

Debate between James Berry and Rob Marris

Committee Debate: 1st sitting: House of Commons
Tuesday 8th November 2016 Public Bill Committees

[James Berry]

Q Mr Watson, do you think it is right that the Government should take action to stop profiteering from the NHS on drug prices?

David Watson: Specifically on the issues that we were widely covered by the media, yes. We have been very clear. We think the Government should have the powers to step in where there are price hikes, frankly, in unbranded products. We agree with that and with the intention of the Bill to widen the powers to apply to any company.

[Rob Marris]

Q Do you think there are further steps, besides what is in the Bill, that could be taken to ensure that the NHS gets best value for money?

David Watson: The Bill specifically addresses the point of unbranded generic prices. It also specifically talks about a new mechanism for the statutory scheme. Most branded medicine spend—about 80% of it—is actually in the voluntary scheme. We think that the voluntary scheme has operated very well to help address the issue of affordability and pricing.