Schemes that reward GPs for prescribing generics may breach EU law

A ruling expected next month from the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg could deprive the NHS of millions of pounds in savings on drugs budgets.

If the judges follow the opinion of the court’s advocate general Niilo Jaaskinen, schemes that reward GPs in England and Wales for prescribing cheaper generic drugs instead of branded medicines will be held to breach European Union law.

The European Court was asked to rule on the issue by the High Court in London, which was hearing a challenge by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) …