ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the implications of the pursuit of these strategies for the relationship between government and the pharmaceutical industry in the UK. It explores the links between industry and the UK Government, in particular the Department of Health (DH). Regulatory convergence particularly over the licensing of medicines, the European Union (EU) High-Level Pharmaceutical Forum which aims to encourage investment in the Europe and EU discussions on direct to consumer information were identified as issues that were now or could in the future have an impact on pharmaceutical policy in the UK. Over the past ten years in the UK, the New Labour Government has supported the introduction of clinical guidelines and national service frameworks for a number of condition areas and population groups, and the assessment of the efficacy of new medicines and medical technologies through the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
