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November 10th 2008

'One healthcare system for the rich and another for the poor'

UNISON, Britain's largest public sector trade union, has condemned the UK Government's decision to allow National Health Service patients who can afford to do so to pay extra for expensive drug treatments which are not available free on the NHS.

"Encouraging some patients and their families to make the heartbreaking decision to use their savings to pay for expensive drugs undermines the very principles of the NHS," says UNISON.

The comment follows the announcement that patients will be allowed to buy drugs to top-up their NHS care.

The union is vociferously opposed to the move, which it believes introduces one healthcare system for the rich and another for the poor.

"We want to see the best for patients and the current system needs changing, but introducing top-ups, even for a small number, will shake the very foundations of the NHS," said the union's head of health, Karen Jennings.

"The principle that it is there for you at your time of greatest need, without having to worry about cost or affordability, is one worth fighting for."

Ms Jennings added that welcome new measures to streamline the approval process for new drugs and get greater value from the pharmaceuticals industry should be allowed to take effect "before jumping the gun and allowing top-ups".

She warned: "There is a very real danger that introducing top-ups for drugs will open the floodgates in other areas.

"There is a whole raft of policies waiting in the wings that will further encroach on the principle of healthcare based on need, not ability to pay."

And she called on drug companies to face up to their social responsibilities and cut the cost of "outrageously expensive" drugs.

"They could play a major role in ensuring patients get the drugs they need without having to resort to top-ups," she said.

 

Source: UNISON