SEX, DRUGS AND THE NHS

Editorial comment

THE new wonder drug, Viagra, has the potential to provide pleasure to
millions and millions in profit to its manufacturers. Men who have used it
swear by it. Now new research will investigate the anecdotal evidence that
it works just as well for women who take it themselves rather than simply
procuring it on behalf of sexually challenged partners.

Viagra is not yet available in Scotland though it could be licensed for
prescription throughout Europe as early as September. The Government needs
to give serious thought to who will be entitled to receive it.

Early predictions suggest that the health service could face a bill of UKP1
billion per year simply to provide free Viagra to men who clinically need it.

We hate to be killjoys, but serious thinking is required on the subject of
clinical need. There is a powerful case here for income-related prescribing.
The NHS cannot afford to become the official supplier of a recreational drug
to rival ecstasy. Those who just want to have fun should pay for the
privilege. That would give the manufacturers a market-based incentive to
review the price tag of UKP16 per pill.

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett