I’ve written to the Treasury calling for a permanent VAT exemption on medicines provided free of charge for compassionate use alongside several national organisations.

A VAT loophole is leaving NHS patients at risk of losing access to life-changing medicines through the Early Access to Medicines Scheme. Bayer has already withdrawn and other pharmaceutical companies are reconsidering their participation. For patients with life-threatening conditions who have exhausted all other treatment options, the consequences are devastating.

As Chair of the APPG on Access to Medicines and Medical Devices, I’ve raised this in Parliament and with Ministers. This week we had a positive step forward indicating we may get a change in policy. I’ve written to the Treasury calling for a permanent VAT exemption on medicines provided free of charge for compassionate use alongside several national organisations. We need a permanent fix and a direct timeline for implementation. Let’s keep pushing!