Walgreens Boots Alliance Disputes Overcharging NHS for Cancer Mouthwash
The UK’s Times Newspaper has conducted an investigation and discovered that Walgreens Boots Alliance, a global pharmacy chain, has overcharged the NHS for a special type of mouthwash used by cancer patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main topic discussed in this episode of Health Professional Radio?
This episode covers important developments in healthcare, including updates on Cancer. Health Professional Radio brings you expert insights and analysis on the latest medical news affecting healthcare professionals and patients alike.
How can healthcare professionals benefit from this information?
Healthcare professionals can stay informed about the latest developments in Cancer and related fields, enabling them to provide better patient care. Staying current with medical news helps clinicians make evidence-based decisions in their practice.
Where can I find more information about Cancer?
For more detailed information, listen to the full episode on Health Professional Radio and visit hpr.fm for additional resources. You can also subscribe to our podcast for regular updates on healthcare news and expert interviews.
The report states that Boots charges NHS a staggering £3,220 for the mouthwash when in reality it only costs £93. The owner of Boots has denied these claims. The mouthwash is used by patients with sores caused by chemotherapy and it’s included in a group of drugs known as specials. In the UK, specials are unlicensed medicines for non-standard treatments.
According to The Times, the pharmacy chain has mainly benefitted from some type of legal loophole that allows suppliers to set their own prices for these drugs. The newspaper has indicated that the mouthwash was ordered from Alliance Healthcare which is actually a supplier owned by Boots’ parent company. The Times has uncovered that from 2013-2017, Boots charged the NHS £3,219 to supply three 200ml bottles then £3,220 for the same amount. They charged £1,843 for an 800ml treatment, £1,989.12 for 800ml and £6,374.25 for 2,600ml.
Health Minister Steve Brine said: ‘’The public would take an extremely dim view of any company found to be exploiting our NHS and patients. Where there is evidence of collusion between pharmacies and suppliers, swift action will be taken to claw back funds and penalise offenders.’’
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
