Stoma And Incontinence Appliance Consultation - NPA Responds, UK

Main Category: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 14 Jan 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The NPA has responded to the consultation on the arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma and incontinence appliances - and related services - to Primary Care.

Raj Nutan, NPA Head of Business Development said: "The NPA has always called for a level playing field between pharmacy and appliance contractors. However, it would seem that this consultation is not addressing the fundamental issue of discount deduction (clawback). Our members face the prospect of continued clawback of Part IX products, whilst appliance contractors will not be subject to this. We hope that this situation is resolved."

Raj Nutan added: "A number of the proposed fees are totally inadequate. For example, the fee for specialist nurse visits does not fully take into account travel and administration costs. This will not fully incentivise NPA members to offer these types of services".

Other issues flagged up by the NPA response include concern that dispensing doctor contractors are out of scope of this consultation. The NPA recommends that PCTs should be empowered to make local decisions on the commissioning of local visits for patients living with incontinence and stoma needs in their areas.

The full consultation response is available to here.

National Pharmacy Association