Drug export warning to NHS trusts

[dipsydoodle]

NHS hospital trusts in England have been warned against any attempt to cash in by exporting medicines intended for NHS patients.

The Health Service Journal reports some trusts have considered taking advantage of the weak pound to make a profit.

But the government's chief pharmaceutical offer Dr Keith Ridge has written to all NHS trusts, calling the practice irresponsible.

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The low value of the pound means drugs could be bought in sterling, then sold on in countries where prices are higher.

This, combined with the Department of Health's pharmaceutical price regulation scheme, which keeps UK medicine prices low, has presented trusts in theory with a chance to make substantial financial gains.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8227428.stm

[vinylsolution]

1. We'd love some of your cheap British medicines over here....

... Even if you mark 'em up, they'll still be far better value than our 'native' brands.