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<p>Decisions on the routine availability of medicines, such as Zoledronic acid, are
made locally by clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). CCGs make funding decisions
based on the needs of their population. Commissioning is about getting the best possible
health outcomes for the local population and this involves assessing local needs to
inform priorities and strategies.</p><p> </p><p>Under their terms of service, clinicians
are allowed to prescribe any product which they consider to be a medicine necessary
for the treatment of their patients under the National Health Service, subject to
two provisos: firstly, that the product is not included in Schedules 1 or 2 to the
NHS (General Medical Services Contracts)(Prescription of Drugs etc.) Regulations 2004
and secondly, that the clinician is prepared to justify any challenges to their prescribing
by their local CCG.</p><p> </p><p>Decisions on whether to routinely fund medicines
should be taken in the context of the CCGs available resources to ensure that care
is fairly allocated to all patients and, where appropriate, measured against the CCGs
other service development priorities.</p>
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