Policy responses and statements
Background:The Scottish Government circulated this draft policy framework with regard to the introduction and availability of new medicines in the NHS in Scotland. The Government wished to test this with stakeholders, patient groups and NHS Boards with a view to issuing it as guidance in due course. Comments on the draft framework were invited to help shape this important area of work. Context: This work is part of a programme of work to respond to Scottish Parliament Public Petitions Committee recommendations in relation to availability on the NHS of cancer medicines. The Petitions Committee made a number of specific recommendations that relate to NHS Boards’ management of access to new medicines. Objective: The Petitions Committee continue to investigate the issues raised in Petition 1108. A key issue identified by the Committee, is the need for a consistent approach across NHSScotland with regard to access to new cancer medicines. In its response, the Scottish Government broadened the focus to include access to all new medicines, not just those to treat cancer. In order to achieve this, the Government has developed a framework under which NHS Boards can align their local policies. The Government would like to issue this framework as part of its guidance to consolidate all guidance on SMC and NICE related issues. The draft framework also contains illustrative examples of how the framework can be applied with regard to cancer medicines in terms of co-ordinating the approach at regional level and consideration of individual patient cancer treatment requests. Comments on the draft guidance were invited. COMMENTS ON
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