Reputation – General public: Access to new medicines
Read more about the public’s opinions about access to new medicines in the UK
The pandemic has shown how pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK are able to produce and provide access to vaccines for large populations.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, significantly more people agree that the sector provides access to new medicines for as many people as possible, and that people in the UK can access the latest medicines. This view is most prominent among those who have recently heard news about the industry. These improvements are almost entirely driven by the development of COVID-19 vaccines, which is consistently top-of-mind among the public when praising the sector.
The sector has done a remarkable job in creating a vaccine for COVID-19 in record time and supplying it in bulk. General Public Respondent
Pricing and patient access
A majority are uncertain that the sector ensures access to new medicines for as many people as possible. There is an understanding that pharmaceutical companies need to make a profit, but believe this ambition should not be at the expense of helping people. Those who have a sceptical view of the sector’s motives question why certain life-saving medicines exist in other markets but are not readily available in the UK. Many are open to learning more from the sector, but admit they are unlikely to do so proactively.
I would like to ask you about medicines in the UK. Please can you to indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements…
People in the UK can access
the latest medicines
Pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK ensure access to new medicines for as many people as possible
Last modified: 20 September 2023
Last reviewed: 20 September 2023