Commenting on the Scottish Government’s position on embedding innovation in NHS Scotland, Stephen Whitehead said:
“It is very important for the pharmaceutical industry that the Scottish Government should seek to place innovation at the heart of the NHS. 'The statement of intent' is welcome as it acknowledges the clear part played by medicines and the pharmaceutical industry in delivering innovation to NHS Scotland, and the central role of NHS leaders in realising these ambitions and being accountable for embedding innovation in Scotland’s health care system.”
At the NHS Scotland meeting yesterday, the Scottish Government said it is on track to launch 'A common understanding', its new guidance on joint working between NHS Scotland and the pharmaceutical industry. Open transparent partnership between industry, the NHS and other stakeholders in the delivery of innovation to patients is also a central element of the 'Statement of intent'. The Statement also recognises the importance of there being suitable metrics to measure progress.
Stephen Whitehead added:
“Scotland is in an excellent position because of its skilled workforce and excellent patient record system to attract investment in research. We look forward to supporting the promised formation of the Strategic Engagement Group, using the new 'Common understanding' as a key tool, coupled with Health Innovation Partnerships which, between them, can deliver huge benefits for the economy and world-leading healthcare for patients.”
Media enquiries
For more information, contact John Macgill, ABPI Scotland’s Policy Adviser, on 0131 557 7727.
Notes to editors
The ABPI represents innovative research-based biopharmaceutical companies, large, medium and small, leading an exciting new era of biosciences in the UK.
Our industry, a major contributor to the economy of the UK, brings life-saving and life-enhancing medicines to patients. Our members supply 90 per cent of all medicines used by the NHS, and are researching and developing over two-thirds of the current medicines pipeline, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of helping patients prevent and overcome diseases.
The ABPI is recognised by government as the industry body negotiating on behalf of the branded pharmaceutical industry, for statutory consultation requirements including the pricing scheme for medicines in the UK.