February 24th 2025

By Ailsa Colquhoun

DDA produces financial challenges briefing paper

The DDA has produced guides for ICBs and health boards in Wales and in Scotland detailing the financial pressures facing dispensing practice.

The briefing documents explain the financial challenges and urge commissioners to support their local dispensing practices to achieve a sustainable financial future.

Financial challenges covered include:

• clawback
• discount not deducted (DND)  
• concession prices 
• category M
• dispensing fees 
• The Dispensing Services Quality Scheme
• ICB prescribing schemes (branded generics)  
• rural service provision

 The DDA would encourage practices to use the document in discussions with local commissioners to improve their understanding of the operational financial pressures in 2025.

A guide for Scottish HBs is in development.

View the guides