NHS England has suggested curbing routine prescriptions of numerous low-priority items in a bid to save £68 million a year, including an acne medication, diabetes products and silk garments that supposedly help people with dermatitis and eczema.

Under the proposals, Aliskiren (used to treat blood pressure) could go because there are cheaper options available, while Amiodarone (used to treat abnormal heart rhythms) could also be restricted because of its low clinical effectiveness, the BBC reports.BBC Reports

Interestingly, in England the NHS spends over £1.2 million a year on prescriptions for silk garments, which could include infant leggings, silk baby bodysuits, gloves, tubular sleeves and so on.

A lot of prescribers will remain unsurprised by the recommendations made by NHS England, already starting to phase out some of the items on the list.

Simon Stevens, chief executive, was quoted by the news source as saying: “The NHS is one of the most efficient health services in the world but, as part of the long-term plan for the NHS, we’re determined to make taxpayers’ money go further and drive savings back into front-line care.

“It is essential the NHS should not be paying for anything which has been proven to be ineffective or where there are safer or cheaper alternatives.”

At this time a year ago, NHS England took similar steps, agreeing plans to save hundreds of millions of pounds annually by proposing that low value treatments like homeopathy, herbal remedies and fish oil no longer be provided on the NHS.

A consultation on curbs to prescriptions for some over the counter products like paracetamol was also launched in November 2017.

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