Overview

This bill, the Health Service Medical Supplies (Costs) Bill, focuses on how the UK government purchases medicines and medical supplies for the National Health Service (NHS). Amendments debated centered on balancing securing best value for the NHS with supporting the UK life sciences sector and ensuring patient access to new treatments.

Description

The core issue revolves around the government's responsibility to get the best value when buying medicines and supplies for the NHS. The Lords initially proposed an amendment requiring the government to prioritize both supporting the UK life sciences industry and enabling quick patient access to new, approved medicines. The Commons disagreed, arguing this could conflict with securing best value. A compromise was sought. Subsequent amendments mandated that the Secretary of State, when exercising powers to control prices, must consult on the economic impact on the UK life sciences industry, the wider UK economy, and the consequences for patients.

Key Changes:

• The final version requires consultation on the economic consequences for the life sciences industry, the wider UK economy, and patient access before price control measures are applied.
• The Secretary of State's power to control prices now explicitly allows for considering "any other person the Secretary of State thinks appropriate."

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly allocate new funds. However, the changes could indirectly affect government spending. By influencing the prices negotiated for medicines and supplies, it could lead to either savings or increased costs for the NHS, depending on the outcome of price negotiations and the impact on the life science sector.

Groups Affected

• NHS: The bill directly affects the NHS by influencing the cost of medicines and supplies.
• UK Life Sciences Sector: This sector's growth and profitability could be impacted by the government's approach to pricing.
• Pharmaceutical Companies: The bill will directly impact the prices pharmaceutical companies can charge the NHS for their products.
• Patients: Access to new and effective medicines and treatments will be affected by the balance struck between cost and availability.

Powered by nyModel