ABPI names NHS partnership manager

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has named Raj Tugnet as its NHS partnership manager.

Tugnet, who joins from Nicoventures, will be responsible for developing the relationship between the UK pharma industry and the public healthcare system – an increasing priority for the ABPI.

He replaces Kevin Blakemore who left the ABPI in October 2013 to join Boehringer Ingelheim as head of strategic national accounts.

Tugnet managed a specialist healthcare development team at Nicoventures, which markets nicotine products for use in smoking cessation.

His prior experience includes a management role at Allergan UK where he was responsible for NHS tenders in neurology.

Before this, he spent more than 11 years at Roche in the UK, during which time he helped create joint working projects with the NHS.

In his new role, he will manage the four ABPI regional partnership managers and lead ABPI activities in academic health science networks and medicines optimisation.

Tugnet said of his new responsibilities: “Driving improved productivity through organisational and functional change in order to deliver greater patient value and health outcomes is a top priority for the NHS, pharmaceutical industry and aligned support groups.

“I am extremely excited in the possibilities that can be realised by working with our member organisations, local and regional NHS bodies and patient advocacy groups to reduce health inequalities and ensure appropriate medicines and technologies are available to all eligible patients.”