A recent study has shed light on the trade-offs involved in public spending on new drugs in England. The analysis, published in the Lancet medical journal, reveals that while new drugs can benefit patients, the funding allocated to them often comes at the expense of other health services.
Researchers found that over a 20-year period, the NHS spent £75.1 billion on new drugs, which resulted in nearly 3.75 million quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for patients. However, if this funding had been allocated to other health services, it could have supported 5 million QALYs, resulting in a net loss of about 1.25 million healthy life years.
The study highlights the need for a more holistic approach to evaluating the cost-effectiveness of new drugs, especially in cases where expensive medications for conditions like cancer are prioritized over treatments for more common diseases. The research also suggests that policymakers should consider adjusting how new drugs are evaluated for cost-effectiveness and work to bring down drug costs to align with other medical services.
The findings have sparked a debate on how funding for new drugs impacts overall population health and the allocation of resources within the healthcare system. As policymakers and health professionals grapple with these issues, the study authors urge for transparency in decision-making processes and a reevaluation of the long-term consequences of prioritizing new drugs over other health services.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com