Reputation – General public: Access to new medicines

Read more about the public’s opinions about access to new medicines in the UK

Perceptions of medicine access are closely linked to fairness and equity concerns among the public.

Access to medicines continues to be a central concern for the public where fewer than half (41%) believe that people in the UK can access the latest treatments, and one-quarter (24%) actively disagree this is the case. One in five (19%) of those who are critical of the sector feel this is due to a lack of access to certain medicines.

Criticism often focuses on high costs, wealth-driven disparities and a perceived postcode lottery. Perceptions of unfair pricing is the primary driver of negative sentiment related access more than any other factor. Mentions of this as a reason for being critical of the sector have increased by eight points since last year. Negative sentiment is particularly strong among people aged 45 and over.

“People can’t access medicines due to it being a postcode lottery.”

“It has been on the news about people not receiving certain medications that could help save their life. Too costly to be widely available or only available to a few lucky ones.”

“The costs prohibit some medicines being available through the NHS, resulting in a two-tier system that increases the wealth-driven health divide.”

“Public health planning is needed to assist healthcare providers and government bodies in identifying health trends, outbreaks, or inequalities in care, so resources can be better allocated to the areas that need them the most.”

“Some of the prices charged to the NHS are exorbitant. Very high profits during COVID, particularly point to this.”