The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the
trade body which lobbies for full patient access to treatments on behalf
of pharmaceutical companies in the UK, has reacted to devolution with
plans to open a dedicated Scottish office, and is casting its net to
find a PR heavyweight to head its operations there. ABPI director Ben
Hayes said the new post was created because Scotland has different
health problems, and because the association wants to bring patient
rights into the Scottish political arena and give feedback to its
members. The postholder will manage campaigning and lobbying activity in
Scotland and report to Hayes, who is considering creating a similar
position for Northern Ireland.
