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<\/p>\nA new lower cap for secondary products has also been proposed among measures that regulators claim will make a \u201creal difference\u201d to clients.<\/p>\n
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Image: Ascannio \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>\n
Business regulators have today (24 March) published their final proposals for reforming the veterinary sector \u2013 which they claim will make \u201ca real difference\u201d to pet owners.<\/p>\n
Six main areas for change have been set out by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), with formal orders now expected to follow this autumn.<\/p>\n
But the measures do include a higher cap on prescription prices for principal medicines than was originally proposed.<\/p>\n
Inquiry group chair Martin Coleman said: \u201cThis is the most extensive review of veterinary services in a generation, and today\u2019s reforms will make a real difference to the millions of pet owners who want the best for their pets but struggle to find the practice, treatment and price that meets their needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cToo often, people are left in the dark about who owns their practice, treatment options and prices \u2013 even when facing bills running into thousands of pounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur measures mean it will be made clear to pet owners which practices are part of large groups, which are charging higher prices, and for the first time, vet businesses will be held to account by an independent regulator.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur changes put pet owners at the centre, but also help vets by enhancing trust in the profession and protecting clinical judgement from undue commercial pressure \u2013 and that is important to ensure our pets continue to get the best care.\u201d<\/p>\n
Measure categories<\/p>\n
The areas where changes are considered necessary appear to broadly reflect many of the concerns raised throughout the investigation and have been divided into the following categories:<\/p>\n
General information on ownership, prices and services to help pet owners choose a first opinion practice
\nTreatment information and policies to help clients considering care options
\nPrescription information to help increase medicine supply competition
\nManaging out-of-hours contracts, including restrictions on contract terms for third party out-of-hours suppliers, to make it easier for FOPs to switch
\nCremation services: information to help support service choices and provision of a basic communal cremation
\nManaging complaints: supporting a good complaints process<\/p>\n
But the authority is now proposing to raise the cap on prescription prices to \u00a321 for primary products from the previously proposed \u00a316<\/a> with a lower \u00a312.50 cap for any further medicines required.<\/p>\n