Reputation – General public: Access to new medicines

Read more about the public’s opinions about access to new medicines in the UK

Public perceptions of access to medicines are largely unchanged since 2022

Over the past year, little has changed in how the public perceive issues related to medicine access. They are just as likely to believe it’s possible to get access to latest medicines in the UK – just under half believe this is the case. Almost one in four are uncertain about this and a similar proportion disagree this is possible. Those who do not believe people in the UK can access he latest medicines often cite high costs and a 'postcode lottery' system as barriers.

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Postcode lottery, where you live can determine what medicines and treatments you have access to

It all boils down to cost so it can be a postcode lottery as to whether people can access the latest medicines

Through the NHS, latest medications are introduced to help save lives

Two in five agree that pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK take action to address health inequalities. A minority – just 17 per cent - disagree this is the case. People based in London and ethnic minorities are more likely than the overall population to agree that pharma companies take action to address health inequalities, as do those who are familiar with the sector and who trust it in general.