Drugs bill slashed

SAVINGS of more than £200,000 have been made since the Oldham Evening Chronicle revealed massive differences in the cost of drugs dispensed by some pharmacies.

The Chronicle exclusively revealed in November how some independent pharmacies were landing NHS Oldham with a bill for more than £1m a year for Special Order Products.

Known as specials, they are basic drugs ordered as a liquid or spray for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets. As there is no government limit for the cost of specials, primary care trusts must foot the bill no matter how high the charges.

However, some independent pharmacies said they had their hands tied in terms of prices from suppliers, and that they could not compete with the buying power of larger chains.

Since the article was featured, NHS Oldham has managed to reduce the overall cost of special order medicines by £211,190. NHS Oldham has been working with GPs and pharmacists to make sure medicines are only asked for as specials if they are specifically needed.

Shauna Dixon, NHS Oldham chief executive, said their work with GPs and pharmacists had made a real impact.

She said: “This work has involved making sure medicines are only asked for as specials if they are entirely needed by patients.

“And we would ask patients to talk to their GP if they think they may be able to take their medication in the ‘traditional’ way.It is important that independent pharmacies continue to work with their manufacturers on the cost of medicines, because we need to make sure we get the best possible value for taxpayer’s money from the available resources.”