ABPI defends drug prices

Published: 21-Nov-2001


The ABPI has come out fighting against criticisms that drugs cost too much in the UK. The association has compiled data from government, industrial and independent sources that shows the per capita spend on medicines is one of the lowest in Europe.

It also says that the price of medicines is far lower in real terms than a decade ago, and increases in the spend on medicines are not keeping up with most other countries.

'In terms of bed days saved, the savings are estimated at £11bn (US$15.6bn) pa, which dwarfs the total cost of medicines in the UK,' said ABPI president Bill Fullager. He also defended the pharmaceutical companies against charges of profiteering.

Profits from NHS medicine sales are strictly controlled by the PPRS mechanism, he explained. 'The average return on capital expenditure figure for FTSE 250 companies is much higher than the amount the pharmaceutical industry makes on its UK sales,' he added.

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