Posted by Michael Wonder on 04 Apr 2017
Changes to NICE drug appraisals: what you need to know
4 April 2017 - The NHS is under unprecedented financial pressure, so it’s more important than ever for it to use the money it has effectively and fairly.
The drugs and other treatments recommended by NICE in its technology appraisal programmes must be funded by the NHS by law through what's called the ‘funding directive’. Normally, when the funding directive is applied, the NHS has 90 days to make the treatment available.
Some of NICE’s recommendations can cost the NHS tens of millions pounds a year. This money has to be found regardless of other pressures and priorities – every pound spent on a new drug is potentially a pound not spent elsewhere in the NHS, such as in general practice or in mental health services.
