Healthy Skepticism Library item: 10490

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Links.
Moves to eliminate 'anticompetitive' practices in the supply of prescription-only veterinary medicines.
Vet Rec 2003 Apr 19; 152:(16):482-4

Abstract:

A change in the law to allow veterinary surgeons to dispense a veterinary prescription, irrespective of whether the animal concerned is under their care; < bullet > A requirement for manufacturers and wholesalers to supply pharmacies and veterinary surgeons on the same terms for the same volumes of products; and < bullet > A requirement for veterinary surgeons to offer clients a prescription and, for a period of three years, to provide that prescription at no additional charge beyond that of the consultation. These are among recommendations made by the Competition Commission in its report on the supply of prescription-only veterinary medicines (POMS). The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Ms Patricia Hewitt, has accepted the report’s recommendations and indicated that she wants to see them put into effect.

Keywords:
Animals Drug Costs Great Britain Humans Legislation, Drug Legislation, Veterinary Physician's Practice Patterns/legislation & jurisprudence* Prescriptions, Drug Public Policy Veterinary Drugs/economics* Veterinary Medicine/standards*