Competition Commission publishes its report
11 April 2003
The Competition Commission has today published its report on the supply of prescription-only veterinary medicines. The Department of Trade and Industry has also issued a press release.
The RCVS issued the following statement:
STATEMENT
Responding to the Competition Commission's report published today, Stephen Ware, RCVS President, said:
"The RCVS considers that, overall, the animal owning public has been well served by the veterinary profession in terms of quality and cost.
"We already advocate that veterinary surgeons' clients should have a choice of where to obtain medicines, indeed, the Current RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct states:
"Veterinary surgeons are encouraged to make their clients aware that veterinary medicines may be obtained on prescription from other suppliers, for example pharmacies, and should not unreasonably refuse to supply prescriptions if clients wish to purchase veterinary medicines from other suppliers. A reasonable charge may be made for prescriptions, which may only be issued for animals under the care of the prescribing veterinary surgeon."
"We will take time to consider the full implications of the Commission's Report, but welcome the opportunity to discuss the issues further with the OFT and DTI."