FIVP criticises mandatory CMA poster
“Transparency should help clients make informed decisions, not encourage them to question the integrity of their veterinary team.” - Rita Dingwall, FIVP chair.
The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has called for a rewrite of a mandatory CMA poster which it describes as ‘potentially inflammatory’.
It warns that the poster, the subject of a consultation due to close on 20 August, is ‘poorly phrased’ and could threaten the viability of independent veterinary practices.
In its current form, the CMA poster states that veterinary medicines ‘may be significantly cheaper’ online. It highlights the words ‘significantly cheaper’ and sets deadlines for practices producing prescriptions.
FIVP, which represents the interests of independent practices across the UK, says that the poster oversimplifies the prescription process. It says that the poster fails to address the negative side of online pharmacies or the impact on in-house pharmacies.
It also accuses the CMA of placing the responsibility of explaining prescription measures, pricing structures and the impact on service costs on busy veterinary surgeons.
The statement reads: “We believe that these in-depth discussions about sales and pricing will only exacerbate the abuse faced by veterinary professionals. It also undermines their true value in providing a professional service, immediate access to medicines and a level of care that is absent from online pharmacies.”
In its response, FIVP will urge the CMA to redraft the poster so it presents ‘balanced, factual information about medicine purchasing’. It says that a new poster should explain the advantages and disadvantages of online pharmacies and avoid ‘language that could be interpreted as suggesting veterinary practices routinely overcharge’.
The group is encouraging independent practices to make their own responses to the consultation before it closes on August 20.
It is also calling on the CMA to publicise the role that medicine sales play in keeping bricks-and-mortar veterinary practices open.
Rita Dingwall, FIVP chair, said: “Independent practices support transparency and informed choice, but information provided to pet owners must be fair, balanced and evidence based. The current wording risks damaging confidence in trusted local veterinary practices without explaining the wider context.
“Transparency should help clients make informed decisions, not encourage them to question the integrity of their veterinary team.”
FIVP’s full statement can be read here.
Image © FIVP
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
