Innovating medicines funding in Scotland

Scotland receives superb value from the latest medicines and vaccines thanks to robust measures which ensure NHS Scotland uses treatments that are both cost and clinically effective.

Voluntary Scheme Scotland

Medicine spend is under control in Scotland

Companies can’t just pick a price for a medicine and there are controls in place to give NHS Scotland predictability on its medicines budget.

The 2024 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG), is a five-year agreement between the pharmaceutical industry, the Government and the NHS which controls spending on new medicine.

Contributing to a financially sustainable NHS

Companies can't just price a price for a medicine

If the new treatment is deemed to be too expensive, compared with the benefits it brings, it is not recommended for use.

When pricing a medicine, companies need to take into account the costs of research and development – not just for the successful medicine but also for the many which have failed.

Rectangle Medicine Priced Purple

We are proud to be delivering for the health and for the economy of Scotland.

 

The pharmaceutical industry delivers £2.7 billion into the Scottish economy. That equates to 5,000 jobs, which go on to support thousands more in the communities the length and breadth of Scotland.

 

The success of life sciences of Scotland is dependent upon us working together. Now that is industry, academia, the government and enterprise.

 

If we all come together, we will basically make life sciences fit for the future and Scotland.

What is the value of the pharmaceutical industry to Scotland?

We want to ensure patients in Scotland continue to access the latest new medicines. It is not only about protecting the checks and balances in place today, but making sure Scotland is ready for the future.

Making the most of healthcare care data can improve clinician and patient decision making, reduce waste and ensure that new medicines make their way to patients faster.

We’re proud to be delivering for the health and economy of Scotland. The pharmaceutical industry delivers £2.7 billion of GVA to the Scottish economy, supporting 5,000 jobs directly and thousands more in the supply chain across the whole country.

Industry Value Scotland

Last modified: 07 March 2025

Last reviewed: 07 March 2025