Research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has found that a pharmaceutical trade deal between the United Kingdom and the United States could lead to 229,000 excess deaths due to the diversion of billions of pounds from the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

Signed in December, the deal saw the US agree not to impose tariffs on UK pharmaceutical and medical exports for three years. In return, the UK committed to increasing NHS spending on new US medicines from 0.3% of GDP in 2026 to at least 0.6% by 2036, raising medicine spending from 10% to 12% of the NHS budget.

UK politicians defended the deal, but the BMJ study found that the spending commitment, without increased NHS funding, would create substantial opportunity costs. Professor Samuel Cross of the University of Liverpool said the deal “benefits pharmaceutical companies at the cost of NHS patients.”

Tim Bierley of Global Justice Now called the deal a “wrecking ball to our health and economy.” The study estimates that by 2028, the NHS will need an extra £1.3 billion annually, rising to £8.8 billion by 2036, totaling £44.7 billion over the deal's term.

The research predicts 229,000 excess deaths by 2036, surpassing COVID-19 pandemic deaths (137,000). Most deaths are expected from cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cancer diseases. Researchers urge the government to publish an impact assessment.

Source: www.aljazeera.com