PharmaTimes -
March 2023

Change seems to be the hardest word

Mythologising about the NHS has fnally had its day of reckoning. And, alas, we’re all to blame.

We have collectively failed to make the distinction between healthcare professionals – the majority of which are superb – and the management of the institution in which they operate, which is utterly woeful. The NHS simply cannot continue to waste money, resources and talent at the current level.

The truth is hard to take. For the last 30 years the NHS has been living on a truly great principle but without evolving – essentially existing on the fumes of our goodwill.

As well meaning as ‘clap for the NHS’ might have been, and as completely misleading as ‘free at the point of service’ most certainly is, they only serve to camoufage the systemic problems besetting our dear health service.

The solution is obvious, if only we could retire a few other unhelpful myths. The NHS already hosts many collaborations with pharma companies – perhaps industry could use its expertise in a more fundamental role, with organisation and economics at the centre.

Yes, many of us have sneered at the fnancial aspects of pharma, but only because we contrast it with the NHS (which we believe is charmingly skint). Indeed, all too often we give the NHS a free pass because we are so seduced by the ‘ideology’ that we don’t pay for it. Spoiler alert – most of us chuck tens of thousands at it during our lives.

Pharma and the NHS combined to beat the pandemic, so why not tag-team for the future of our healthcare?

For the sceptics, I ask you to consider the alternative – the inevitable collapse of the NHS. Now that really would be a bitter pill to swallow.

January 2020 - magazine highlights

Thumbnail image for Pause for thought

Pause for thought

Pharmacy’s central role in women’s health – including the menopause – must reflect a more modern, tailored approach

Thumbnail image for Love hearts

Love hearts

How can we use precision medicine to improve heart failure care?

Thumbnail image for We all stand together

We all stand together

PharmaTimes’ Editor John Pinching talks to AstraZeneca’s inspiring diversity and inclusion leader for Europe and Canada, Anna-Lena Engwall

Latest jobs from #PharmaRole

View all

Omnichannel Account Director

This is a great opportunity to join this progressive healthcare medical communications agency. They are...
London, UK
£55,000 - £65,000 yearly

Senior Medical Writer

Client-facing role and work closely and collaboratively with the project managers, and health economics, and...

Pharmacovigilance Project Lead

Title: Pharmacovigilance Project Lead Location: Remote/Hybrid (UK and EU positions available) Job Summary: The Pharmacovigilance...

Pharmacovigilance Manager

Title: Pharmacovigilance Manager Location: Remote/Hybrid, UK Job Summary: The Pharmacovigilance Manager will be responsible for...

Technical Sales Representative

Location: Based within the Mid-Atlantic States Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated Technical Sales...
New York, NY, USA

Account Manager – Medical Communications

Seriously impressive London-based medical communications agency is looking for the next superstar in their client...
Kingsway, London WC2B 6AA, UK
£35,000 - £55,000 yearly

Principal Medical Writer

Several exciting business wins for this medical communications agency means it is looking for a...
Southampton Buildings, London WC2A 1AN, UK
£50,000 - £70,000 yearly

Account Director – Healthcare PR

We are searching for ambitious senior account managers and account directors working in healthcare PR...
Victoria Line, London SW1V 1JU, UK
£55,000 - £68,000 yearly

Download our apps

Go to the App Store or Google Play and search for 'PharmaTimes' to download our free app.

Go to the App Store or Google Play and search for 'PharmaTimes' to download our free app.

Download