FIVP, BVA and RCVS respond to CMA provisional findings
FIVP warns independent practices may be forced to increase prices.
The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) is among the major veterinary organisations to share their responses to the Competition and Market’s Authority’s latest findings.
Although the organisation, which represents independent practices across the UK, has welcomed some of the inquiry group’s suggested remedies, it has warned of inadvertent impacts from others.
FIVP has voiced its support for remedies which will improve transparency across the veterinary sector. This includes action that will make costs of services and medicines more clear to the consumer, as well as improved transparency of practice ownership.
However, FIVP has also warned that some measures could inadvertently increase the total cost of veterinary care to pet owners.
It has raised particular concern at the CMA’s suggestion that veterinary professionals direct clients to online pharmacies for their medicines. The CMA suggests this will provide ‘savings’ for clients, and even recommends a £16 cap on prescription fees – with prescriptions automatically produced for recurring medicines.
FIVP says that, traditionally, practices use the income from medicines to reduce the cost of providing veterinary services.
It warns that, if independent practices lose this income, they may be forced to increase the fees of other services.
Rita Dingwall, chair of FIVP, said: “We are concerned that the CMA is advocating a completely new business structure for veterinary practices that has the potential of unintended consequences for independent veterinary practices, their clients and the care and welfare of pets.
“If independent practices are unable to support their veterinary services through the income received from veterinary medicines, pet owners could face higher service fees – or the closure of their local independent practice.”
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), which featured regularly in the CMA’s recommendations, has also shared its views.
The CMA highlighted RCVS’ Find the Vet service as a useful tool for future reforms, suggesting it also act as a price comparison website for practices’ veterinary services. RCVS could also receive new statutory powers as part of a Veterinary Surgeons Act reform.
Linda Belton, RCVS senior vice-president, said: “There are elements of the recommendations that the CMA has asked us to incorporate into our own Code of Professional Conduct and, while we will need to consider these recommendations in detail, we look forward to continuing discussions with the CMA on this.”
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) identified recommendations it considered positive in the CMA’s provisional decision. It noted remedies that would lead to greater transparency, reform of ‘outdated’ framework and regulation of practices.
Rob Williams, BVA president, said: “However, we do have concerns that some of the measures outlined will impact how services are delivered.
“In particular, we need clarity on the proposed introduction of comprehensive price lists, because how vet care is delivered is varied and complex and unless the CMA gets this right, it could end up creating greater confusion for consumers, which in turn could have a negative impact on animal welfare.”
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