Amended CMA Orders ‘lack balance’, FIVP says
FIVP had described the previous Standard Written Prescription Notice as 'potentially inflammatory'.
The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has reacted to the Orders and Undertakings documents published by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) this week.
Its latest statement has welcomed changes to the Standard Written Prescription Notice, but shared concerns the newest version ‘lacks the balance’ needed.
The organisation had previously criticised a proposed Standard Written Prescription Notice, which had promoted that vet medicines ‘may be significantly cheaper online’. FIVP had described this phrasing as ‘potentially inflammatory’ and a threat to independent practices.
FIVP, as well as other veterinary organisations, campaigned for the CMA to reconsider the wording and format of these materials.
While it has welcomed changes made to the document, it says the new version still ‘lacks the balance to properly guide pet owners with making an informed choice for their pet’s medication’.
Rita Dingwall, chair of FIVP, said: “Purchasing medication from an independent practice not only gives pet owners unparalleled expertise from trained vets and SQPs, but also supports their local branch to stay financially viable while providing life-saving treatments at a reasonable price.
“FIVP will continue to support its members with the fulfilment of the CMA’s requirements. We urge practices to get in touch if they have any questions or concerns – we remain a proud supporter of independent practices and will continue to advocate for them as the remedy package is rolled out.”
The British Veterinary Association, which also called for amendments to the poster, said that the Final Orders were an opportunity for the profession to ‘start to move forward’. It described the final package as ‘more proportionate, workable and fairer for both vets and clients’.
Rob Williams, BVA president, said: “The last few years have been extremely difficult for the profession and so with the publication of the CMA’s Final Orders we can finally start to move forward.
“We’ll need to scrutinise the details but at first glance vet practices are for the most part already complying with many of the measures.”
The final Orders and Undertakings also saw confirmation of the role of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). The CMA has set out the RCVS’ commitments to support and monitor the compliance with the remedy package.
RCVS president Tim Hutchinson said: “We will scrutinise the detail of the final Order and Undertakings in the coming days and continue to work with both the CMA and relevant veterinary businesses over the coming months to help ensure that the CMA’s requirements are as clear and straightforward to implement and monitor as possible.”
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. 
