HDA UK Media And Political Bulletin – 3 April 2017
Media Summary
A new way to pay: ‘Pay on Invoice’ process
MHRA, 31 March 2017
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced changes to paying for medicines licences, clinical trials and clinical investigations, initiated on 1 April. Looking to reduce the regulatory burden for licence applications, those making applications will no longer need to attach proof of payment. The benefits of the new process include removing the need to work out complex fees and reducing the chance of applications being rejected for incorrect payment details.
DH to Hunt: Don’t underestimate resistance to pharmacy cuts
Chemist and Druggist, Annabelle Collins, 30 March 2017
A Department of Health (DH) official warned Jeremy Hunt in 2015 that he “should not underestimate” the strength of resistance to the pharmacy funding cuts. According to a memo by the deputy director of procurement and efficiency at the DH – dated September 4, 2015 and revealed during the High Court hearing last week – Mr Hunt was warned about heavy campaigning against “what are real, cash cuts” that would “reduce the profits and value of many businesses”.
Parliamentary Coverage
Scottish Parliament, Oral Answers, answered on Thursday 30 March 2017
Joan McAlpine, MSP:
To ask the Scottish Government what the impact on the licensing of medicines in Scotland could be of the UK Government’s decision to leave the European Medical Agency.
Aileen Campbell, MSP:
Regulation for the licensing, safety and efficacy of medicines is currently reserved to the UK Government and is the responsibility of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) who operate on a UK wide basis. The MHRA advise that the UK Government is fully assessing how the decision to leave the European Union will impact on medicines regulation in the UK. The Scottish Government will continue to do all it can to protect Scotland’s interests and to ensure that whatever the future relationship between the UK and the European Medicines Agency, patient access to medicines will not be adversely impacted.
Full Coverage
A new way to pay: ‘Pay on Invoice’ process
MHRA, 31 March 2017
Paying for medicines licences, clinical trials and clinical investigations is changing from 1 April the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced.
Instead of paying in advance, a new ‘Pay on Invoice’ process will streamline the way we manage a range of applications.
We are committed to reducing the regulatory burden and improving the process for licence applications.
From 1 April those making applications will no longer need to attach proof of payment making the end-to-end process simpler, easier and quicker.
The benefits of the new process include removing the need to work out complex fees and reducing the chance of applications being rejected for incorrect payment details.
Additionally the simplified payment process should result in fewer delays and make it easier for companies to reconcile financial records and accounts.
Overall the process is aimed at saving companies time and money.
Richard Humphreys, MHRA’s Deputy Director of Finance said:
We have listened to our customers and launched this new project in order to make the process of payment much easier and quicker. We hope the new process will reduce the regulatory burden and reduce unnecessary delays. As with everything we do, we welcome your feedback.
If you have any questions please get in touch by emailing sales.invoices@mhra.gsi.gov.uk.
Further information
There have been no changes to our payment terms and invoices must be settled on receipt of invoice. Penalty fees can be incurred for non-payment, details of the penalties are set out in the Fees Regulations. Non-payment may also result in suspension of any licence or authorisation, followed by legal proceedings for unpaid amounts, as a debt due to the Crown.
More information can be found here.
