Medicines management. Fit to bust.

The drugs bill is rising above the rate of general and NHS inflation. Medicines expenditure currently accounts for 15 per cent of primary care trust and NHS expenditure. The advent of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and national service frameworks is likely to push up prescribing. Prescribers should have easy access to the best advice on prescribing practice. PCTs and hospitals should establish Joint formularies, make use of independent advisers and cut down their contact with drug company representatives.