Reputation – HCPs: Relationship with the NHS
Read more about how healthcare professionals view the relationship between the pharmaceutical sector and the NHS
Healthcare professionals believe the industry supports the NHS
Some pharmaceutical companies are unbelievable and are extremely helpful. They try to understand the problems that the NHS are facing, they try to help, provide funding and expertise, and contact every healthcare professional there is in the country just to see if something has been done about certain things Hospital Pharmacist
These views are reinforced by positive perceptions of the sector’s commitment to support the NHS with treating patients and to work closely with NHS doctors to develop new medicines.
78%
believe that pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK have supported the NHS during the outbreak of the pandemic
A higher proportion than in October 2020 also believe that pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK have supported the NHS during the outbreak of the pandemic (78% compared to 67% in October 2020).
In light of the COVID vaccines development, more HCPs also agree that pharmaceutical companies work with universities and are committed to developing new medicines than in October 2020.
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Awareness of the VPAS remains limited but continues to lead to an uplift in positive perceptions of accessibility and fair pricing
Overall, around two in five HCPs are aware of any medicine price or spending control agreements that the NHS has in place with the pharmaceutical industry.
Awareness of the Voluntary Scheme on branded Medicine (VPAS) remains stable since October 2020 with just under a third of HCPs saying they know of it.
While awareness of the VPAS is limited, those who are aware have a more positive perception of accessibility and fair pricing. As more than four in five agree that the VPAS improves patients access to medicine, keeps the branded medicine bill affordable for the NHS and supports innovation in the sector.
II think most of them seem reasonably fair, like there is obviously very specialised drugs that are hugely expensive, but normally the government can negotiate a deal with the companies for those. The company has in the end to make a profit from what it’s doing because otherwise it wouldn’t exist, so I think most of the time it’s fair GP
I think in the UK they’re very honest and transparent and I think they have to be because of all of the regulations and frameworks we have in place for how tenders are made and how they get awarded contracts Hospital Pharmacist
Furthermore, during a follow-up qualitative study, HCPs were directly asked about medicine pricing and transparency. Those who feel more familiar with medicine pricing (usually hospital pharmacists) tend to speak positively about how the sector deals with pricing and transparency.
For those who don’t know much about how medicines are priced, there is a general understanding that pricing is complex, but negotiated by the NHS. They give the sector the benefit of the doubt and assume they could find more pricing information if needed.
Last modified: 20 September 2023
Last reviewed: 20 September 2023