Written Question · S5W-08241 · Session 5
What plans it has to review the six-monthly procurement process for hepatitis C treatments and the impact that this has on NHS services' de…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review the six-monthly procurement process for hepatitis C treatments and the impact that this has on NHS services' delivery of longer-term plans for the elimination of hepatitis C as a public health concern by 2030.
The answer
National Procurement leads on the procurement of medicines on behalf of NHS Scotland. The procurement approach is being kept under active review to ensure that it continues to deliver best value as NHS Scotland works towards eliminating hepatitis C as a public health concern by 2030.
A significant market change later this year will be the entry of an additional pan-genotypic regimen; this is expected to increase competition in the market and lead to reductions in the pricing of Hepatitis C therapies. The expectation is that there will be another review of the treatment guidelines in autumn 2017. National Procurement will be re-tendering for the supply of hepatitis C medicines at the same time.
A reduction in the pricing of hepatitis C therapies is expected to facilitate the earlier treatment of diagnosed patients thus contributing to the 2030 goal.
A significant market change later this year will be the entry of an additional pan-genotypic regimen; this is expected to increase competition in the market and lead to reductions in the pricing of Hepatitis C therapies. The expectation is that there will be another review of the treatment guidelines in autumn 2017. National Procurement will be re-tendering for the supply of hepatitis C medicines at the same time.
A reduction in the pricing of hepatitis C therapies is expected to facilitate the earlier treatment of diagnosed patients thus contributing to the 2030 goal.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-08241 by reference.