Access to Medicines

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 20 June 2018.

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Photo of Willie Rennie Willie Rennie Liberal Democrat

I agree with that approach, but that does not explain why we are in the position that Wales and Northern Ireland seem to be moving ahead, alongside England, while Scotland seems to be incapable of doing so.

Following the rejection last year by the SMC, Roche said:

“unfortunately inflexible pricing rules mean they have been unable to accept our discount in full.”

I do not understand what that means and I would like an explanation from the health secretary when she sums up.

The Government’s amendment says that pharmaceutical companies should offer the same prices across the UK. I agree with that, but that does not explain the situation that Roche is describing. We all want to solve the problem, so we need to have some clarity around that. We know the dilemmas that are involved in trying to get expensive drugs through the system, but we need some clarity and progress for the sake of the patients involved.