Reputation – General Public: Sector image ratings

Public perceptions of the pharmaceutical sector’s performance related to access and pricing have deteriorated since last year. Around a quarter of people feel that access to new medicines is inadequate, and two-fifths perceive medicine pricing as unfair. Wealth inequalities and geographic disparities – the notion of ‘postcode lotteries’ are often cited as contributing factors, highlighting the public’s sensitivity to perceived inequities in healthcare provision.

“I believe that while a lot of pharma companies do good research to prevent disease, they only do so as a means to gain profit, so products are expensive to the consumer.”

Despite these concerns, the sector retains a strong, positive reputation for innovation. For example, seven in ten acknowledge pharmaceutical companies’ leadership in discovering new medicines.

“I understand that they operate under a heavily regulated environment and therefore will have to follow trustworthy processes and procedures.”

However, fewer believe that profits are used for societal benefit, and perceptions of positive contributions to UK society have declined.

“I truly believe that they [pharmaceutical companies] profit from the NHS way more than they should and contribute to a weaker society.”

The important insight here is that scientific achievement and regulatory compliance alone do not guarantee positive perception. Public trust appears to be influenced as much by perceived societal contribution as by innovation, suggesting that demonstrating the impact of R&D beyond core business outcomes continues to be a key reputational factor.

Reputation – General Public: Sector image ratings

Public perceptions of the sector are influenced by concerns over access, pricing and societal benefit despite strong recognition of innovation.