09 August 2000

Medicines Dispensing Review Group

An Independent Review of Dispensing by Veterinary Surgeons is to hold its first meeting today. The group set up by The Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF) and headed by chairman Professor Sir John Marsh CBE is to review the current practice whereby virtually all veterinary prescription only medicines are dispensed by veterinary surgeons and the impact this practice may be having on availability and prices. In addition, the Group will review the classification of veterinary medicinal products that are currently classified as prescription only, to determine whether certain products should be made more widely available. It will make its report to Ministers by 31 March 2001.