Walgreens Boots Alliance has ‘categorically’ denied that it has overcharged the NHS, saying it complies with all NHS regulations and legal requirements.
Here is the full statement from a spokesman, who said: ‘We categorically deny any allegations of overcharging the NHS.
‘As a pharmacy-led organisation, Walgreens Boots Alliance and all its UK-based businesses fully comply with all NHS and Department of Health regulations and follow all applicable legal requirements in order to supply healthcare products and services, including specials. In addition, companies within Walgreens Boots Alliance have strict arm’s length agreements with each other to supply any products and services.
‘Specials are unique, unlicensed prescription items ordered at short notice; they are bespoke and made to address individual patient needs at the request of medical professionals, like GPs and hospital consultants. Specials are therefore made by highly trained technicians in dedicated laboratories in the UK, that source ingredients, produce and quality-check often on the same day, and as a single item. This process incurs high overheads, reflected in the final cost, which is set in line with the sector to reflect the bespoke nature of the products.
‘Boots UK as a pharmacy chain does not make any profit on specials; it fulfils the prescriptions by ordering and dispensing specials to patients as required. The medical decision to request a specials prescription rests with GPs.
‘Walgreens Boots Alliance through all its business always seeks to provide excellent care and advice, delivering essential medicines at speed to ensure they reach patients in a timely manner. We are proud to serve our communities across the UK and to be part of the country’s healthcare service.’