§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the specific points by way of illustration and as to basis for discussion which he has mentioned to the medical profession with a view to promoting economies in the prescribing of drugs in the NHS.
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§ Mr. EnnalsThe points that I have suggested might be among those to be studied are these:
- 1. A joint economy campaign by the Departments and the profession, coupled with fuller and more up-to-date information about drug costs, including relevant costs of similar drugs;
- 2. A publicity campaign directed at patient's attitudes and expectations;
- 3. A "white list" of preferred drugs; or a list of "excluded drugs" or classes of drugs for which the NHS would not expect to pay;
- 4. A restriction on the amount to be prescribed by a general practitioner at any one time. We could look again at the advice given by the Hinchliffe Committee and at ways of making any restriction reasonable and tolerable to doctor and patient. For example people with chronic or semi-chronic conditions requiring long-term therapy might need special consideration;
- 5. In hospitals, the further development of activities on the lines of Drug and Therapeutic Committees already in existence in some places.
I have made it clear to the profession that these ideas are not put forward with a view to introducing any form of statutory control. I consider this an area in which results can best be achieved through voluntary co-operation and it is on that basis that the profession has agreed to take part in discussions.