<2>UK-US Drug Deal: Ministers Given Power to Control NICE Approvals Despite Warnings
<3>The Controversy Surrounding NICE Approvals
The UK government has announced plans to give ministers the power to control NHS drug approvals, despite warnings that this could lead to political interference in decisions about funding new treatments. The move has been met with concern from experts, who argue that it threatens the independence of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
<3>The Impact on NICE’s Independence
NICE is responsible for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of new drugs and recommending whether they should be funded by the NHS. The institute’s independence is crucial in ensuring that decisions about funding are based on evidence and not influenced by political considerations. However, the government’s proposal to allow ministers to change the cost-effectiveness threshold used by NICE could compromise this independence.
<3>The UK-US Pharmaceutical Deal
The government’s decision to give ministers the power to control NICE approvals comes after the announcement of a new pharmaceutical deal with the US. As part of this deal, the UK will increase tariffs on pharmaceutical exports to the US, while the US will provide the UK with more favorable terms for its pharmaceutical exports. The deal is expected to benefit the UK