UniChem to act with AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca UK has revealed the details of a plan it claims will forge a more direct relationship with pharmacies, doctors and hospitals.

From February 2nd, AAH Pharmaceuticals and UniChem will deliver AstraZeneca’s medicines to customers directly, in a move which the drugs manufacturer claims will simplify and modernise the delivery structure.

The announcement of a date for the rollout of the new supply method follows concerns expressed by the Office of Fair Trading that an exclusive arrangement such as this could increase the cost to the NHS and pharmacists.

AstraZeneca claimed that it has taken on board those comments but maintained that the new arrangement shows its commitment to providing the best levels of service to the government, pharmacies and healthcare professionals.

It claimed it “is confident that its decision to work with its customers directly in this way is the best route to delivering the right medicine to the right patient every single time”.