CMA publishes suggested 'remedies' for vet sector
The CMA is yet to conclude that any of the remedies are needed.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has released its latest working paper, setting out a series of suggested 'remedies' for issues in the veterinary sector.
The regulator says that its remedies, which include price caps and transparency requirements, could lead to a 'shift' in the commercial relationship between practices and their clients.
Among the recommendations made by the regulator is a price cap on medications and prescription fees. The CMA suggests that a cap on prescription fees will ensure pet owners are not discouraged from requesting prescriptions, as well as preventing practices from increasing fees if prescriptions are mandated.
Dispensing practices may have to use a price comparison site, with clients directed to a page comparing medication prices across different dispensaries when purchasing their pet's medication.
The regulator is also considering a standardised price list for practices and referral providers. Practices could be asked to publish the prices at which they offer a specific list of procedures and treatments, which the CMA suggests should be easy to locate online. The CMA states that, by ensuring all practices provide a comprehensive and accessible price lists, it will support pet owners to make fair judgements.
Other recommendations suggested by the CMA include clear information about ownership and caps on price ups of cremations. It also addresses concerns about the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which is currently being investigated by Defra.
The CMA says it is yet to conclude that these remedies are needed, however it has opened a consultation into its recommendations that will close at 5pm on 27 May.
In its preliminary response, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) commended the CMA for acknowledging the dedication of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. It has also recognised the CMA's views for statutory regulatory reform, which it says is broadly aligned with its own recommendations.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA), however, has raised concern for many of the remedies, including the standardised price lists, requirements for generic prescribing and the price concerns for cremation services.
Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA president, said: “We will look closely at the detail of these in the coming weeks and formally respond to the CMA.
“It’s vital that any measures the CMA presses forward with do not risk undermining the ability of veterinary professionals to do their job or compromise the sustainability of the sector, which could have negative consequences for the welfare of the animals in our care.”
The full report can be read here.
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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. 
