Chris Whitehouse, a political consultant and expert on medical technology policy and regulation at Whitehouse Communications, promotes DHSC hosted sector engagement opportunities on value-based procurement (VBP).
MedTech suppliers are being invited to engage with officials from the Medical Technology and Innovation Directorate of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to find out more about the new value-based procurement assessment methodology launched on 11th June for use across the NHS in England.
The online events are open for registration at the following links:
Those attending will receive a short presentation covering the VBP guidance and implementation plans, followed by questions and answers. Attendees can submit questions ahead of the sessions using this form or ask questions on the day using the Q&A function.
The events are part of the programme being driven forward by officials to ensure that both industry and procurers are supported in using the new methodology, which is designed to ensure that, in future tenders, patient experience and outcomes and other value impacts account for at least 60% of a device’s score, with whole life cost (replacing simple price) accounting for no more than 40%.
With training resources for procurers also in the pipeline, the DHSC is investing time and effort in ensuring that the launch of the new VBP approach is a success. It remains to be seen, however, whether central purchaser, NHS Supply Chain, is fully committed to the VBP methodology, with some of its statements claiming it will be adopted across its range of procurements, but officials responsible for individual forthcoming framework tenders stating that no decision to do so has been made. Such contradictory messaging can only cause confusion and uncertainty in these crucial early days of adoption.
Future plans for driving forward the uptake of the methodology, and its evolution over the next few years are expected to be announced shortly. This column will keep readers abreast of all key developments.
The Author used AI in preparing this article. Comments upon or questions about this article can be addressed to chris.whitehouse@whitehousecomms.com.
