PM says life sciences is a key partner to fixing the NHS

In his speech today, the Prime Minister committed to putting the full weight of the British government behind life science as part of his plan to fix the NHS.

At The Kings Fund annual conference today, the Prime Minister stressed the UK's poor performance in avoidable and preventable mortality.[1] He highlighted the need to tackle the increasing levels of sickness in society as a means of raising productivity, as well as reducing pressures on the NHS. Making better use of innovative medicines and vaccines must be part of this picture.

In the speech, he also said he would put “the full weight of the British government behind our world-leading life sciences”, making the industry a key partner in his plans to improve UK health outcomes while also supporting economic growth.

Responding, Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the ABPI said: “The Darzi review made sobering reading, but there is now a huge opportunity in this moment to move forward. Innovation lies at the heart of the solution to the NHS’s problems, and innovation is at the core of the UK’s life sciences sector.

“Cutting-edge science and industry clinical trials, and the innovative medicines and vaccines that come from them, support the NHS to improve patients’ health outcomes. Together, we can create a healthier, more productive population and help address the pressures the NHS faces.

“That’s why the Prime Minister is right to throw the weight of government behind our world-leading life sciences sector. We can’t wait to throw our weight behind the NHS’s, and society’s, recovery.”