Competition watchdog’s vet medicines proposals ‘unreasonable’ and ‘ineffective’

The British Veterinary Association (BVA), which represents more than 19,000 vets across the UK, has welcomed many of the measures outlined in the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) Provisional Decision Report published last month (15 October) following its investigation into the UK vet services market for household pets, calling them ‘much more proportionate’ than earlier proposals. However, it has serious concerns that proposals around the prescribing and sale of medicines are anti-competitive and are unlikely to reduce vet bills for pet owners.  

The CMA report sets out 21 proposed measures aimed at improving competition in the vet market.   BVA welcomes the CMA’s proposals aimed at increasing transparency and choice for consumers including: increased information about practice ownership; standardised price lists; written estimates; and itemised bills.  It also welcomes the CMA’s support for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act and the need for practice regulation.  However, the association has serious concerns around some of the CMA’s proposals relating to veterinary medicines which it sees as ‘anti-competitive’ and unlikely to reduce vet bills for consumers.   

New data from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that 64 per cent of vets say the CMA’s proposal requiring vets to inform clients about savings they can make buying medicines online would have a negative impact on the financial sustainability of their practice, with 65 per cent also stating that a £16 cap on prescriptions would also risk practice viability.  

In addition, the research shows that many practices are already implementing the CMA’s measures with 79 per cent already providing itemised bills and 80 per cent reporting they provide written estimates for work over £500 on all or most occasions.  

Responding to the CMA’s provisional decision, British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said: “The measures outlined in the CMA’s provisional decision report are much more measured and proportionate compared to earlier proposals and that clearly shows they have listened to our concerns. As vets, we welcome the measures that increase transparency and help us to better support our clients.  However, it’s vital that the CMA gets the detail right or it risks unintended negative consequences. 

“BVA particularly welcomes the CMA backing our calls for reform of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act, including the need for practice regulation. Vets have been pressing for reform of this woefully outdated legislation for many years, and reform will go a long way to addressing many of the concerns raised throughout the CMA investigation and will help build trust with our clients.  

“We do, however, have serious concerns about the medicines proposals – it is simply unreasonable to expect vet practices to actively promote online pharmacies, which are in direct competition for customers and some of which are run by large veterinary groups. In addition, the proposed £16 price cap for prescriptions will be ineffective and is unlikely to lead to lower vet bills for consumers.”,  

With the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) and the Veterinary Management Group (VMG), BVA has submitted a joint response to the CMA consultation on its provisional decision report and has also highlighted the need to allow sufficient time for vet businesses and professionals to adapt. 

Read the full response here.

Read the CMA’s full provisional decision report here.