Viagra to be made available to all on the Health Service

Article Abstract:

The UK Government has confirmed that once the new drug for male impotence, Viagra, has received a UK licence that it will be available on the National Health Service (NHS). The licence is expected to be awarded in September 1998 but concern is growing that the demand may be too high for the drug and certain restrictions will need to be imposed on its administration. There are currently 2.9mn men in the UK suffering from impotence, which is 10% of the adult male population and if the US is any indication of the market for this drug doctors may need to impose restrictions on who can and can't receive the drug. In the US some 1.7mn prescriptions were written for Viagra in just the first two months since its release in March 1998. The NHS may be forced to impose restrictions as the cost to treat all these patients will be too high, with each pack of 30 tablets costing GB 120.

Comment:

UK: Govt confirms that male impotence drug Viagra will be made available on Natl Health Service when given UK license

Government regulation (cont), Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing, Prostate Disorder Preparations, Prostate agents, Article

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UK: COMPETITION AUTHORITIES MADE INDEPENDENT

Article Abstract:

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Stephen Byers, plans to allow independent competition authorities to rule on whether takeover bids should be blocked or allowed. The new proposals the Office of Fair Trading will decide whether to refer a merger or takeover to the Competition Commission. The Secretary of State will still make the formal referral. The Commission's decision will be final as opposed to now when ministers have the power to overrule. Byers will only intervene if a merger or takeover is against the public interest. The new regime will require primary legislation and their full implementation will not happen until 2002. However, the government will adopt the principles immediately.

Political activity, Brief Article, Byers, Stephen

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Why my background made me a meritocratic, and radical, Tory

Article Abstract:

It is vital to radically review the provision of public services in the UK. The state should guarantee, but not necessarily provide, mainstream public services, which should still be free to the user.

Management, Column, Municipal services

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