NOAH has taken time to build relationships over the past
year, says Bill Hird
NOAH’s past year has focussed on building relationships
with others, as well as dealing with legislation in progress, particularly
the European Regulatory Review. This was the summary of Bill Hird, outgoing
chairman of the National Office of Animal Health, at the association’s
Annual General Meeting in London on 22 April.
He said: “Compared to recent years, the last twelve
months have been relatively tranquil. We have had none of the overwhelming
issues such as BSE and FMD to face and internal reorganisations within
IFAH and NOAH are
largely behind us. We have focused our time on helping shepherd through
legislation in progress, building capabilities and relationships with key
stakeholders, developing an influential voice with IFAH Global, and planning
for future legislation.”
He said that the European Regulatory Review, which will
be incorporated into national legislation, together with findings from
Competition Commission and Marsh reports, could be positive for the future
of animal medicines in the UK. “Harmonised data protection, fewer renewals,
special treatment for horses, the right to choose which approval procedure
and the derogation to Member States on POMs are important to the entire
industry. NOAH has worked well with other stakeholders to influence the
shape of this legislation, both here in the UK and in Brussels,” said Mr
Hird.
With elements from the OFT and Marsh reports, this will
provide the base for new national legislation which is in the early stages
of drafting. As this process progresses, NOAH’s work alongside others will
continue.
Bill Hird described an important, but not widely
appreciated, success for NOAH this year: amending the Government’s view of
the role of medicines in the Animal Health and Welfare initiatives. “Early
drafts showed little acknowledgement of the role and potential contribution
of medicines in the sector strategies. However, working with DEFRA and other
stakeholders, often via RUMA, medicines and the overall contribution from
the industry are now seen as much more significant,” he said. Also, he
added: “I was very pleased to see a step change in our activities in
supporting the companion animal market, which was symbolised in the
Pet Event at the
Houses of Parliament. The success of the event provides a platform from
which we can develop a strong stakeholder coalition.
“Over the past year or so, we have tried to change our
style as an organisation, focusing more on co-operation, involvement and
persuasion, stressing our interdependence with others and our willingness to
actively engage in developing common approaches. This partnership model has
helped generate goodwill and influence.
“Keeping this going is important for the future,” he
added.
22 April 2004
Notes for Editors
For further information contact Phil Sketchley or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131,
or visit the NOAH website.
The National Office of Animal
Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent the UK companies which
research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health
products. The association has 33 corporate members and 14 associate
members. In 2003 NOAH's members accounted for well over 90% of the £398
million UK animal health market
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